What role do the heat sensitive capsules play in the lavatory fire detection system?

Heat sensitive capsules are critical components of a lavatory fire detection system specifically designed to respond to temperature changes indicative of a fire. When the temperature around these capsules reaches a certain threshold, they rupture and trigger an automatic response to enhance safety.

In the context of fire suppression, these capsules play a pivotal role by activating a halon discharge system. Halon is an effective firefighting agent that can suppress flames and prevent the fire from escalating, making it particularly suitable for use in aviation environments where speed and efficiency are crucial. This immediate automatic response helps to mitigate potential damage and enhance safety for passengers and crew onboard.

The other options involve alerting personnel or activating other systems but do not directly lead to the immediate suppression of fire, which is the primary function of the heat sensitive capsules in this scenario.