How can heat be reduced as a fire control measure?

Cooling the area with water or extinguishing agents is an effective method for reducing heat, which is critical in fire control. When water or other extinguishing agents are applied to a fire, they absorb heat from the flames and the surrounding materials. This cooling effect lowers the temperature of the burning materials, making it more difficult for the fire to sustain combustion.

Using water specifically not only quenches flames directly, but it also turns into steam, which displaces oxygen around the fire and further reduces the fire's ability to grow. The introduction of these cooling agents allows for precise control over the heat source, denying the fire the intense temperatures it needs to thrive.

In contrast, increasing the intensity of surrounding light would not affect the temperature of the fire, nor would it contribute to extinguishing flames. Similarly, while using fire blankets can help smother flames on surfaces or individuals, it is less effective at cooling the overall area or source of the heat. Removing the fire source entirely is certainly a valid fire control measure, but it is often not immediately possible in the midst of an active fire, making cooling an accessible and effective option during initial response efforts.