Completely fluorinated, saturated C.sub.2, C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 compounds are efficient, non-ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agents used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.

1-Bromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane is a low ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agent used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.

Methods for extinguishing fires are disclosed which include the use of 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as a fire extinguishing agent. The 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane may be used alone or in combination with other halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishants. Compositions including the 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and other extinguishants are also disclosed. The compositions are effective at low concentrations and are non-toxic and environmentally safe.

A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted ethane selected from the group of CF.sub.3 --CHF.sub.2, CHF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 F, CF.sub.3 --CHFCl, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CHCl.sub.2, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHFCl, CFCl.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, and CHFCl--CHFCl is disclosed. The ethane can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.

A process for safely preventing, controlling and/or extinguishing fires in confined spaces without damage to equipment, loss of habitability for personnel, loss of consciousness for personnel or a significant impact on the mental acuity of personnel in the confined space, which comprises introducing carbon dioxide and another inert gas, e.g. nitrogen or helium, to the confined space to lower the oxygen content to a concentration in the range between 8% and 15% by volume while increasing the carbon dioxide content of the confined space to an amount in the range of 2% to 5% by volume. The combination of reducing oxygen concentration and increasing carbon dioxide concentration in the gaseous environment of the confined space works together to sustain mammalian life, in particular, maintaining consciousness and mental acuity while not supporting, i.e. extinguishing, flame.