Which of the following is a primary objective of rescue operations?

Saving occupants believed to be in a structure is considered the primary objective of rescue operations. In emergency situations, the immediate priority for first responders is to ensure the safety of individuals who may be trapped or in danger inside a building. This objective often requires a rapid response to locate, access, and evacuate those needing assistance.

Other tasks, such as assessing property damage or extinguishing the fire, are important but take a secondary role in the context of rescue operations. While it's essential to manage the fire to protect lives, the primary focus remains on rescuing individuals. Additionally, patrolling the area may be part of broader safety and damage control measures, but it does not directly relate to the core purpose of rescue efforts. The goal of rescue operations explicitly centers on human life, making the saving of occupants the most critical objective.