If heat or flames are spreading beyond the initial area, what should you do?

• A. Evacuate and alert emergency services; do not attempt to fight a spreading fire alone.
• B. Attempt to fight the fire with a small extinguisher.
• C. Ignore it and wait for someone else.
• D. Call a supervisor.

Answer: (A)

When a fire is spreading, safety comes first: evacuate everyone to safety and call emergency services so trained firefighters can handle the blaze. A small extinguisher is only effective for a small, contained fire; once flames spread beyond the initial area, conditions can deteriorate rapidly—heat, smoke, and toxic gases rise, making it easy to become trapped or overwhelmed. Trying to fight a spreading fire alone risks you and others, so the best course is to exit immediately and get professional help on the way. While notifying a supervisor can be part of the process, the essential action in this situation is to evacuate and alert emergency services.