What is one of the methods to extinguish a fire by reducing temperature?

Cooling with water is an effective method to extinguish a fire by reducing temperature. Water absorbs heat from the fire in a process known as evaporation. When water is applied to the flames, it transforms into steam, which displaces oxygen in the fire and simultaneously draws heat away from the burning material, thereby lowering its temperature below the ignition point. This combination of heat absorption and oxygen displacement effectively interrupts the combustion process, leading to the extinguishing of the fire.

The other options do not achieve this essential cooling effect. Adding more fuel would only increase the severity and intensity of the fire, making it harder to control. Smothering with foam can be effective in certain situations by sealing off the fuel from the oxygen source, but it does not address the temperature issue as directly as water does. Ventilating the area typically serves to remove smoke and improve visibility rather than directly reduce the fire's temperature, which may in fact aid the fire by introducing more oxygen. Thus, cooling with water is a primary method for reducing temperature and extinguishing fires effectively.