Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling large hydrocarbon-fueled fires contemplates the use of vapors produced by direct contact vapor generators to simultaneously cool the flames and deprive the fire of oxygen. A direct contact vapor generator accomplishes fire suppression by surrounding the fire with oxygen-free gases while cooling the flames with water vapor. The direct contact vapor generator is uniquely suited for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fueled fires because of its ability to produce oxygen-free gases and vapor in sufficient quantity to snuff out a fire of the magnitude of those occurring at the sabotaged wellheads in Kuwait in 1991 as well as oil field, oil storage facility, and oil refinery type fires.