Abstract: Compared to flaming combustion, smoldering has a lower reaction temperature and slower spread rate, and can persist under extreme conditions such as oxygen-limited environments, high moisture content, and deep underground. Therefore, the detection and extinguishing of smoldering wildland fires face greater challenges. This paper provides an overview of the past research on smoldering suppression at the laboratory scale from the perspectives of three basic mechanisms: quenching, smothering, and burnout. The feasibilities and possibilities of controlling smoldering fires through artificial rainfall, underground water injection, and the construction of firebreaks are summarized. Furthermore, the technologies and strategies for prevention, monitoring, and suppression in current wildland smoldering fire management practices are overviewed, providing insights for future theoretical research on smoldering fires and the development of new technologies based on artificial intelligence and digital twins.

Key words: wildland fires, underground fire, fire extinguishing mechanism, wildland monitoring, fire safety, disaster prevention and mitigation