Smothering

• One approach to putting out a bushfire is to beat it with a branch, spade or cloth. Scraping the fuel away from the fire can cut the amount of time the fire burns. The goal of these approaches is to cut off the oxygen supply or separate the fire from the fuel source. Only use these methods on small fires.
  
  

Fire Extinguishers

• Many fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide to put out the fire by cooling the fire and smothering it in a way that prevents the fire from getting oxygen. For fire to continue burning, it needs a fuel source, heat and oxygen. The fuel contained within the fire extinguisher is compressed, and pressing down the tab releases the compressed gas. Point the nozzle at the fire's fuel. Do not point the fire extinguisher at the top of the fire, which is less effective. Dry fire extinguishers have either foam or powder. The foam or powder is either baking soda, or potassium bicarbonate pressurized by nitrogen. When baking soda decomposes in the fire, it releases carbon dioxide, smothering the fire.
  
  

Spot Fires

• Spot fires can grow into much bigger bushfires. These fires are easier to put out than larger fires. Various tools such as metal rakes, shovels and mops can help extinguish these fires. Anything that cuts off oxygen, such as a bucket, may be thrown over the spot fire to put it out. Some houses burn down after a bushfire passes through because cinders from the fire stay in the grass and ignite, creating a fire that burns down the house. Some people choose to stick around during the bushfire to put out spot fires to prevent the home from burning down.
  
  

Firebreaks

• Bushfires can get out of control because vegetation serves as a fuel. One way to prevent bushfires from occurring in the first place is to destroy much of the vegetation so fires do not burn out of control. Only firefighters should carry out this practice, which must be carefully planned, since poorly-executed back-burning might contribute to the fire. Firebreaks do not always work because winds can pick up and carry cinders.