The analysis as described William E. Koffel, P.E., FSFPE of Koffel Associates in the Fire Protection Engineering magazine article, "A Methodology to Analyze the Concept of Balanced Design," states, the fire impact can be managed by either managing the fire or managing the exposed. The fact that the diagram contains an "or" gate indicates that one need only manage the fire or manage the exposed. However, the use of the "or" gate also assumes 100% effectiveness and reliability associated with the chosen strategy, assuming that the fire safety objectives are to be achieved in all reasonably credible fire scenarios (Koffel, 2002, ¶5). The concept evaluates all scenarios that can happen and any failures that can occur with the fire safety and prevention equipment.

Conclusion

Analysis of the fire at the Watts Bar Hydroelectric Plant and the NFPA 550, Guide to the Fire Safety...

The system may not have stopped the fire, which could have only been detected by safety inspections, but the damage would have been less due to the containment of the fire using the diagrams and gateways.
My conclusion is the NFPA 550, Guide to the Fire Safety Concepts Tree, definite would have saved equipment, time, and the risks that could have resulted.

References

Francis, G. 2003. "TVA Concludes Watts Bar Hydro Fire Investigation." Retrieved on October

5, 2010 from http://www.tva.gov/news/releases/janmar03/fire.htm

Koffel, W. 2002. "A Methodology to Analyze the Concept of Balanced Design." Fire Protection

Engineering. Retrieved on October 5, 2010 from http://www.fpemag.com/archives/article.asp?issue_id=10&i=208