How do Halon agents extinguish a fire?

Halon agents extinguish a fire primarily by breaking the molecular chain reactions that sustain combustion. When a Halon agent is introduced into a fire, it releases free radicals that interact with the chemical reactions occurring in the flames. These free radicals disrupt the cycle of reactions necessary for combustion, effectively stopping the fire from continuing.

This mechanism of action is significant because it does not rely on displacing oxygen or cooling the flames, as one might find with other extinguishing agents. Instead, the focus is on interrupting the chemical process itself, making Halon particularly effective in specific scenarios, such as in sensitive electronic environments or areas where water would cause damage.

In contrast, cooling below the ignition temperature and radiation shielding are methods employed by other types of fire extinguishment, like water or foam, which focus on removing heat or blocking radiation from the fire. Similarly, isolating the fuel by coating is more representative of fire prevention rather than extinguishment and does not directly relate to how Halon operates in extinguishing fires.