Abstract: There is provided a system and method that uses solid CO2 for the purposes of fire suppression. In particular, there is provided a method of preventing fires by covering an area, a structure or an item to be protected with a layer of solid CO2. There is also provided a fire fighting and prevention apparatus that comprises a vehicle, a source of CO2, a solid CO2 generating assembly and a solid CO2 distributor. This vehicle can be position to cover or fill a structure that is already on fire with solid CO2 to put out the fire, or cover or fill a structure that is in the risk of catching fire to prevent that structure from catching fire.