Fire is one of mans most essential elements for survival. Fire has made possible mans journey from the dark ages into the age of the computers and outer space adventures. Although fire has been essential in sustaining human life, it is also the reason for the loss of many human lives and vast amounts of property. Bearing this fact in mind, fire suppression has also become an essential part of human survival. Fire suppression is one of the most hazardous tasks that people will ever attempt and should be left to the trained professional. The following information is meant to give a basic understanding of the most common means used to extinguish various types of fire hazards, but is not meant to be used as anything other than intellectual knowledge.

There are four methods used to suppress fires:

1) Reduce its Temperature
2) Remove the Fuel(s)
3) Remove the Oxygen
4) Inhibit the Chain Reaction.

Each of these methods has unique advantages based on the location and type of fire that is encountered. All suppression agents and/or strategies are all based on one or more of these methods. Examples of the temperature reduction, oxygen exclusion and chain reaction inhibition are given in one or more of the areas outlined, however, removal of the fuel is not explored.

I. Classification of Fire Suppression Agents
II. Mobile Fire Suppression Apparatus
III. Stationary Fire Suppression Systems
IV. Other Suppression Information