You see a fire. It looks small, but smoke is filling the room rapidly. What should you do?

When you observe a small fire that is producing a significant amount of smoke and filling the room quickly, fleeing the area immediately is the most prudent choice. Smoke can be more dangerous than the flames themselves since it can impair visibility, cause disorientation, and lead to inhalation hazards that can be life-threatening.

Leaving the area allows you to escape from the immediate dangers associated with smoke inhalation and the potential for the fire to grow. It is essential to ensure your safety first before attempting to address the situation or assist others. Once you have evacuated to a safe location, you can then consider notifying emergency services to handle the fire appropriately.

The other options may seem viable but they involve significant risks that can compromise personal safety in a rapidly deteriorating environment. For example, searching for the source of the smoke could expose you to dangerous conditions without ensuring your safety first. Attempting to fight the fire without adequate training or equipment, even while wearing a respirator, could still be highly hazardous. Lastly, waiting for firefighters while remaining in a smoke-filled area can further jeopardize your health and safety. Evacuating the area should always be the first response in such situations.