What is the primary way water extinguishes a fire?

Water extinguishes a fire primarily by cooling the combustible material. When water is applied to a fire, it absorbs heat from the flames and surrounding materials. This cooling effect reduces the temperature of the combustible materials below their ignition point, effectively stopping the combustion process. As the water evaporates, it can also help to further cool the environment and disperse heat, aiding in fire suppression.

While other methods of extinguishing fires involve concepts like smothering flames or displacing oxygen, these methods do not fundamentally describe the primary action of water. The cooling effect that water provides is crucial in stopping the chemical reactions involved in fire and helps prevent re-ignition of the fuel.