What are the two primary methods of extinguishing a fire?

The two primary methods of extinguishing a fire are cooling and smothering. Cooling involves reducing the temperature of the burning material to below its ignition point, which can be achieved through the application of water or other extinguishing agents that absorb heat. This method is effective on most fires, particularly those involving solid combustibles, flammable liquids, and gases.

Smothering, on the other hand, works by depriving the fire of oxygen, which is one of the three essential elements needed to sustain combustion (heat, fuel, and oxygen). By cutting off the oxygen supply, the fire is unable to continue burning. This can be done with materials like foam or certain dry chemicals that blanket the fire and restrict airflow.

Other methods mentioned, such as flame-retardant sprays and vacuuming, or soaking and freezing, are either not primary fire suppression techniques or are not widely applicable on their own for most fire scenarios. Evaporating and isolating do not effectively address the fire's heat and fuel components, which are critical to extinguishing a fire. Thus, cooling and smothering are recognized as the fundamental strategies for effective fire suppression.