What is the oldest and most traditional form of fire stopper?

Water is the oldest and most traditional form of fire stopper because it has been used for centuries to combat fires across different environments. Its effectiveness comes from its ability to cool down the burning material by absorbing heat, thereby lowering the material's temperature to below its ignition point. Additionally, water functions by smothering the fire, displacing the oxygen necessary for combustion, and can also help to prevent fire spread by soaking the surrounding materials.

Historically, water was readily available, versatile, and easy to use, making it the preferred choice for firefighting. While other materials, such as sand and foam, have their uses – particularly in certain specialized situations – they were not as universally available or effective across all types of fires as water. Furthermore, retardant chemicals are a more recent innovation in firefighting methods, specifically developed for certain scenarios, reinforcing the idea that water remains the foundational and most traditional medium for extinguishing fires.