What is one firefighting task that would make it especially important to have the utilities controlled?

Controlling utilities is essential when opening walls to look for fire extension because this task often exposes hidden hazards associated with live electrical wires, gas lines, or water pipes. Firefighters need to ensure that these utilities are turned off or controlled to prevent electrocution, explosions, or flooding, which can pose serious risks during firefighting operations.

By turning off the utilities, firefighters can work more safely and effectively to investigate hidden fires, assess structural integrity, and mitigate potential dangers that could arise from damaged systems. This precaution helps to protect not only the firefighters but also the occupants of the building and improves the overall outcome of the firefighting efforts.

In contrast, other tasks like setting up positive or negative-pressure ventilation or constructing a water chute may not present the same immediate risks associated with uncontrolled utilities, making those considerations less critical in those scenarios.