How do most fire extinguishers in trucks operate to extinguish fires?

Most fire extinguishers in trucks operate by smothering the fire, which effectively removes the oxygen that fuels combustion. This particular action disrupts the fire triangle, which consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen. When oxygen is reduced, the fire cannot continue to burn, leading to its extinguishment.

Fire extinguishers contain various agents, such as foam, dry chemical, or CO2, that create a barrier between the flames and the oxygen in the surrounding air. This barrier limits the fire's access to oxygen, thus effectively suppressing it.

While cooling the flames can be an effective method for fire suppression, as seen with water extinguishers, most truck fire extinguishers utilize the smothering technique because it is more practical for various types of vehicle fires, including those involving flammable liquids or electrical components. Adding moisture to a fire is also not a standard operation method for truck fire extinguishers, as moisture can sometimes spread flammable materials. Chemical reactions do play a role in some types of extinguishing agents, but the primary method of operation for many truck extinguishers is centered on smothering the fire.