How does cooling work as a means of extinguishment?

Cooling as a means of extinguishment operates by reducing the temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature. When the heat source is decreased sufficiently, it can no longer sustain the combustion process, which is critical for fire to continue. This method is often employed using water or other cooling agents that absorb heat from the fire, effectively lowering the temperature of both the flames and the surrounding materials.

In contrast, increasing heat or eliminating fuel do not align with the cooling concept, as cooling specifically involves reducing temperature to suppress the fire. Smothering the flames with a blanket is a separate extinguishment method that works by cutting off the oxygen supply rather than cooling the fire. Thus, the key principle behind cooling as an extinguishment technique is the effective lowering of temperature to mitigate the combustion process.