Which term describes removing fuel to extinguish a fire?

• A. Smother
• B. Cool
• C. Starve
• D. Ventilate

Answer: (C)

Fires go out when one of the essential elements needed for combustion is removed. Removing fuel from a fire is known as starving the fire. By cutting off the fuel source—such as shutting off gas, removing or isolating flammable materials, or separating the fuel supply from the flames—the flame can no longer sustain itself and will die out. This is the standard way to extinguish when the fuel source can be controlled.

Smothering would deprive the fire of oxygen by covering it, cooling involves reducing heat with water, and ventilating changes air flow and can either help or hinder extinguishment depending on the situation, but they don’t describe removing the fuel itself.