Deck General · Fire Theory & Classes
Smothering as a method of extinguishment works by:
- AReducing the fuel's temperature below its flash point
- BRemoving or cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire✓ Correct
- CInterrupting the chemical chain reaction of combustion
- DRemoving combustible fuel from the vicinity of the fire
Explanation
Smothering removes the oxygen side of the fire triangle by covering the fire (foam blanket, fire blanket, closing compartment vents) or displacing oxygen with an inert gas (CO2, steam). Cooling attacks the heat side. Starving (fuel removal) attacks the fuel side. Chain-reaction inhibition (halogenated agents, dry chemical) attacks the fourth side of the tetrahedron.
Authority: Firefighting (USCG deck topic)
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