What is the first action to take when you discover a fire?

The first action to take when discovering a fire is to inform everyone. This step is critical because promptly alerting others helps in ensuring their safety and allows for a swift evacuation if necessary. Immediate notification enables crew members to respond effectively and mobilize firefighting resources if needed. It is important to create awareness quickly so that everyone can take proper safety measures and move to safety before the situation escalates.

While extinguishing the fire or locating firefighting equipment might seem like immediate priorities, these actions should occur only after ensuring that everyone is aware of the danger. Additionally, restricting access to the area can be necessary but should also be implemented after communicating the fire situation to others. Prioritizing communication ensures that all personnel are informed and can act accordingly, thus minimizing risk and promoting safety on board.