slukning

Slukning is a term used in Norwegian and Danish to describe the extinguishment or suppression of a fire. It encompasses the actions taken to stop a fire from growing and to prevent rekindling, typically as part of firefighting operations or domestic safety practices. The central idea is to remove one or more elements of the fire triangle: heat, fuel, and oxygen.

Firefighters use several strategies. Cooling with water lowers the heat, whereas removing the fuel source or isolating it cuts off the supply of combustible material. Smothering or excluding oxygen can be achieved with foams, blankets, or inert gas in enclosed spaces. For specific fire types, chemical inhibitors such as dry chemical powders or specialized wet-chemical agents may be used.

Equipment and systems support slukning. This includes portable extinguishers, fire hoses, and fixed installations such as sprinkler or foam systems. Protective gear for responders, including helmets, gloves, and breathing apparatus, is essential to safety during extinguishment work.

The process generally follows detection and alarm, an initial attack to gain control, full suppression, and an overhaul phase to locate hidden fires and prevent rekindling. Effective slukning relies on proper training, risk assessment, and access to appropriate extinguishing media and equipment. Inappropriate use of water on certain fires (for example electrical fires) can be dangerous and requires suitable extinguishing agents or isolation of energy sources.

The term is used broadly in domestic, industrial, and municipal fire safety contexts in Norwegian and Danish practice, and it appears in regulations, standards, and firefighting literature.