What is the primary method of fire smothering?

Fire smothering primarily involves covering the fire to extinguish it by depriving it of the oxygen it needs to sustain combustion. This method effectively interrupts the fire triangle, which consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen. By eliminating or significantly reducing the availability of oxygen, the fire will diminish and eventually go out.

Using a blanket, a fire extinguisher with a smothering agent, or even soil or sand can be effective in this approach. It's essential in situations where using water might not be practical or effective, such as grease fires or electrical fires, where water could exacerbate the situation.

In contrast, cooling flames with water focuses on reducing the heat of the fire rather than cutting off its oxygen supply. Creating a chemical reaction with fire suppressants may involve specific agents that do not directly cover the flames, while increasing airflow can actually fuel a fire rather than extinguish it. Thus, covering the fire is the most direct and effective method of smothering it.