Which method is NOT typically used for extinguishing fires?

The method of extinguishing fires often relies on three primary mechanisms: cooling, smothering, and absorbing. Cooling involves reducing the temperature of the burning material, typically with water, which effectively lowers the heat below the ignition point. Smothering works by cutting off the fire's oxygen supply, using materials like foam or soil. Absorbing can involve using substances that soak up flammable liquids to prevent them from igniting.

In contrast, igniting is not a method of extinguishing fires; rather, it refers to the act of starting a fire. Using ignition would only fuel the fire rather than extinguishing it. Therefore, it stands out as the method that does not align with traditional fire suppression strategies.