What is the primary function of water in fire suppression?

The primary function of water in fire suppression is to cool the fire and reduce oxygen levels. When water is applied to a fire, it absorbs heat and converts into steam, which lowers the temperature of the burning material. This cooling effect is essential because most fires require a certain temperature to sustain combustion. Additionally, as water vapor displaces some of the available oxygen in the vicinity of the fire, it further disrupts the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen), helping to extinguish the flames.

The ability of water to absorb heat effectively makes it a critical firefighting agent, especially in cases of structural fires and wildfires, where controlling temperatures is crucial in stopping fire spread. While water does interact with other agents, such as foams to enhance firefighting effectiveness, its fundamental role remains centered around cooling and suffocating the fire.