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Vérification Incendie
published on 26/03/2026

Fire Extinction: Methods & Approaches

Workplace fires occur across the UK every year, ranging from small, controllable incidents to more serious events. Whilst many can be managed effectively, proper fire safety knowledge and training are essential to keep people and assets safe. Understanding the fire triangle is a key part of this, as it explains how fires start and how they can be extinguished.

The Fire Triangle

The fire triangle is made up of three essential elements: heat, fuel, and oxygen. All three must be present for a fire to start and continue burning.

Heat is the energy required to ignite a fire and can come from sources such as open flames, electrical faults, or overheated equipment. Once a fire begins, it generates its own heat, allowing it to spread.

Fuel refers to any combustible material, including solids like wood and paper, liquids such as oils and fuels, and gases. The type and condition of the fuel will influence how easily it ignites and how quickly the fire develops.

Oxygen supports combustion and is typically supplied by the air, which contains around 21% oxygen. Most fires require only around 16% oxygen to continue burning, making it readily available in most environments.

Using the Correct Extinguisher

Fires can be extinguished by removing one or more elements of the fire triangle. Cooling a fire removes heat, which is why water is commonly used for Class A fires involving solid materials.

Starving a fire involves removing or isolating the fuel source. For example, turning off a gas supply will immediately stop a gas fire, while limiting combustible materials can prevent a fire from spreading.

Smothering a fire removes oxygen by covering it or using extinguishing agents such as foam, CO₂, or fire blankets. This reduces the oxygen level below what is required to sustain combustion.

It is important to choose the correct method for the type of fire, as using the wrong approach, such as water on electrical or oil fires can be dangerous.

The Importance of Fire Extinction

Understanding how fires start and how they can be extinguished is essential for effective fire safety management. It allows businesses to select the right firefighting equipment, train staff appropriately, and respond quickly in an emergency.

By applying the principles of the fire triangle, organisations can reduce risk, improve safety procedures, and ensure they are better prepared to deal with fire incidents.

At Scutum, we provide expert fire safety solutions, including training, equipment, and risk assessments, helping businesses protect people, property, and operations.