What method does Carbon Dioxide (CO2) use to extinguish fires?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishes fires primarily through the method of smothering. When CO2 is released onto a fire, it displaces the oxygen that is necessary for combustion. Fire requires three elements to sustain itself: heat, fuel, and oxygen. By removing one of these elements—specifically oxygen—CO2 effectively interrupts the combustion process, leading to the extinguishing of the fire.

Smothering is particularly effective in fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment where other extinguishing methods might not be as effective or safe. The use of CO2 is advantageous because it does not leave a residue, making it suitable for use in areas with sensitive equipment or materials. This method is distinct from cooling, chilling, or burning off; those methods focus on different aspects of extinguishing fires rather than the suppression of oxygen.