Using recent measurements of electron-molecule and ion-molecule collision cross sections and rate constants, we calculate the relative rates of neutral and ionic inhibition reactions when hydrocarbon flames are inhibited by halogenated hydrocarbons. Using atmospheric pressure methane/air flames inhibited by CF 3Br as an example, we find that neutral inhibition rates are more than two orders of magnitude larger than ionic inhibition rates. Our calculations indicate that ionic inhibition plays a negligible role in hydrocarbon flames, irrespective of the species of halocarbon inhibitor.