it removes heat from the fire
Water and pressurized air, sometimes with anti-freeze chemical in the water.
Actually water IS used as a fire extinguisher - but not for all fires. Fire extinguishers are categorized by the "class" of fire they are intended to extinguish. In the USA (other regions have...
They are idea for dealing with wood and paper fires. Never use water on live electrical or petrol fires
Sand,dry earth,flour,salt and blankets.