Smothering = cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply so it can no longer sustain combustion. Instead of spraying lots of water—often dangerous with fuel fires—firefighters cover or seal the burning area to remove oxygen around the flame. 🔥 When Do Firefighters Use Smothering? ✅ Engine compartment fires ✅ Small fuel leaks igniting under the car ✅ Tire or interior fires that are still small ✅ When water could spread fuel or make fire worse ⚠️ Not ideal when: ⏺️The fuel source is pressurized (e.g., L