put out a fire
Quench the blaze
To put out a fire is to extinguish flames—with water, a fire extinguisher, or by smothering.
The phrase extends to any urgent problem-solving: I spent all morning putting out fires at work.
In this figurative sense, the fires are crises demanding immediate attention, and putting them out means containing the damage before it spreads.
Wet completely, often flames
- smotherDeprive of air
- suppressForcibly put an end to
- waterClear essential liquid
- hoseFlexible fluid conduit
bucket · foam · sand · blanket · spray · sprinkler · halon · carbon dioxide
Render harmless
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- calmFree from agitation
- de-escalateReduce intensity of conflict
- mediateFacilitate agreement between disputants
quell · settle · smooth over · crisis management · damage control · intervention · peacemaking · cool down
Visible burning combustion
- smokeAirborne combustion byproduct
- blazeIntense burning fire
- infernoDevastating, uncontrollable blaze
- alarmUrgent warning signal
sirens · 911 · hazard · danger · combustion · engulfed · burn · panic
Personnel arriving at emergencies initially
- ladder truckFire engine with extendable climb
- hydrantStreet-side water outlet
- turnout gearFirefighter's protective ensemble
- smoke detectorCombustion particle sensor
sprinkler system · rescue · heroism · bravery · paramedic · fireproof
douse
Wet completely, often flames
hose · bucket · foam · sand · blanket · spray · sprinkler · halon · carbon dioxide · firebreak
defuse
Render harmless
- resolveFirmness of purpose
- calmFree from agitation
- de-escalateReduce intensity of conflict
mediate · quell · settle · smooth over · crisis management · damage control · intervention · peacemaking · cool down · reconcile
flames
Visible burning combustion
alarm · sirens · 911 · hazard · danger · combustion · engulfed · burn · panic · escape
first responders
Personnel arriving at emergencies initially
- ladder truckFire engine with extendable climb
- hydrantStreet-side water outlet
- turnout gearFirefighter's protective ensemble
smoke detector · sprinkler system · rescue · heroism · bravery · paramedic · fireproof
put out a firestart a fire
Initiate burning
light a fire · ignite · kindle · torch · fan the flames
put out a firefan the flames
Deliberately worsen a dispute
pour gasoline on the fire · add fuel to the fire · start a fire · stir up trouble · escalate
fire, puts, putting, outs, outed, outing, fires, fired, firing