What is the purpose of fire hydrants within an airport?

The primary purpose of fire hydrants within an airport is to provide an accessible water supply for emergency response teams. In the context of airport operations, having a reliable and readily available source of water is critical for firefighting efforts, especially considering the amount of flammable materials present, such as aviation fuel. Fire hydrants are strategically located throughout the airport to enable firefighting crews to quickly connect hoses and access water as part of their emergency response to a fire incident, ensuring prompt containment and mitigation of potential hazards.

The other options, while they describe activities that may occur at an airport, do not align with the fundamental role of fire hydrants in emergency management and safety protocols. For instance, while proper irrigation of landscapes and snow removal operations are important aspects of airport maintenance, they do not pertain to fire safety. Similarly, the aircraft fueling process requires careful handling and safety measures but does not involve the use of fire hydrants specifically. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the critical role of fire hydrants in emergency response situations within the unique environment of an airport.