What should cabin crew do first if they encounter smoke in the cabin?

They must immediately inform the flight deck, identify the source if possible, and use the correct extinguisher to fight the fire.

Which extinguisher is suitable for soft furnishing fires in the cabin?

Use a BCF/Halon extinguisher to suppress flames, then a water extinguisher to absorb residual heat.

Why is shutting off ventilation important during a cargo fire?

It limits the supply of oxygen to the fire, reducing its intensity and aiding extinguishing efforts.

Are fire procedures the same for all aircraft types?

No, some actions are type-specific and pilots must be familiar with their aircraft’s procedures and checklists.

What is the main risk if a fire source in the cabin or cockpit cannot be identified quickly?

Uncontrolled fire can lead to loss of the aircraft within minutes, making rapid identification and action essential.

Fire in the Cabin or Cargo

Hard4 min readOperational Procedures

Moderately Examined

Why this matters

Understanding and executing fire procedures is vital because onboard fires can develop rapidly, threatening the safety of everyone on board. Quick, correct actions can prevent catastrophe and save lives.

Fire in the cabin or cargo hold is a critical aviation emergency requiring immediate, coordinated action by both flight and cabin crew. Rapid identification of the fire source, correct use of extinguishers, and strict adherence to emergency procedures are essential to protect lives and the aircraft.

Quick Check

When smoke is detected from an unidentified source in the passenger cabin, what is the most critical initial action?

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Explanation

Recognising Fire in Cabin or Cargo

Smoke or fire in the cabin or cargo hold can arise from electrical faults, overheated equipment, or combustibles. Early signs include visible smoke, burning smells, or triggered fire detection systems. Crew must act quickly, as onboard fires can escalate rapidly.

Immediate Crew Actions

Inform the commander immediately.
Identify the fire source if possible. If the source is unknown, prioritize diversion to the nearest suitable airfield at maximum speed.
Isolate electrical power to affected equipment or areas when safe.
Fight the fire using the correct extinguisher: BCF/halon for electrical/hard furnishings, water for soft furnishings (after flames suppressed), and never water on electrical or flammable liquid fires.
Move passengers away from the source if feasible.
Follow aircraft-specific checklists for smoke or fire, including donning oxygen masks if required.

Fire Extinguishers and Precautions

BCF/Halon: Effective on electrical, hard furnishing, and lavatory fires. Leaves no residue.
Water: Use on soft furnishings after flames are out to cool hot spots. Never use on electrical fires.
CO₂: Sometimes used on the ground, not standard in flight due to toxicity.
Precautions: Avoid inhaling extinguishing agents, ensure ventilation is managed, and confirm fire is fully out before relaxing vigilance.

Cargo Hold Fires

Shut off ventilation to the affected cargo compartment if possible.
Discharge built-in fire extinguishing systems as per aircraft type.
Land as soon as possible—cargo fires can be hidden and rapidly become uncontrollable.

Smoke in Cockpit or Cabin

Crew oxygen masks on (100% O₂) if smoke is dense or toxic.
Do not deploy supplemental passenger oxygen unless depressurization occurs.
Continue to search for the source and monitor for re-ignition.

Checklist Discipline

Strictly follow emergency checklists—they are type-specific and may include steps like turning off air conditioning, fans, or unnecessary electrical systems.
Coordination between flight and cabin crew is vital for effective response and communication.

The essentials

Key Points

Immediate identification and reporting of fire or smoke is critical.

Use BCF/halon extinguishers for electrical and hard furnishing fires; water for soft furnishings after flames are out.

Never use water extinguishers on electrical or flammable liquid fires.

Shut off ventilation to affected cargo compartments before discharging extinguishers.

Follow type-specific emergency checklists and procedures.

Crew oxygen masks (100% O₂) are used for dense or toxic smoke in the cockpit.

Rapid diversion and landing may be necessary if the fire source is unknown or uncontrolled.

Watch out

Exam Traps & Typical Mistakes

Assuming water extinguishers are safe for all fires, including electrical.

Believing supplemental passenger oxygen should be deployed during smoke events (only if depressurization occurs).

Forgetting to shut off cargo compartment ventilation before using extinguishers.

Not recognizing that immediate diversion is required for unidentified or uncontrollable fires.

Overlooking the need to follow type-specific checklists rather than generic procedures.

Test yourself

Example Exam Questions

Question 2Easy

Which type of handheld fire extinguisher is most appropriate for an electrical fire in the cockpit?

Question 3Medium

What is the correct procedure when a fire is detected in a cargo compartment?

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