What is the primary method of extinguishing flames by excluding oxygen called?

The primary method of extinguishing flames by excluding oxygen is known as smothering. This technique works on the principle that fire requires three components to sustain combustion: heat, fuel, and oxygen. By removing oxygen from the fire's environment, the flame can be effectively extinguished. Smothering can be accomplished using materials like blankets, foam, or other barriers that create a seal around the fire, preventing oxygen from reaching it.

Chemical flame inhibition refers to the use of chemical agents to interrupt the combustion process at a molecular level but does not specifically focus on excluding oxygen. Cooling involves lowering the temperature of the burning material to a point where combustion cannot be sustained; this method typically relies on water or other cooling agents and addresses heat rather than oxygen. Saponification is a chemical reaction generally associated with the process of making soap from fats and oils; it is not related to extinguishing flames or fire suppression methods.