If hazardous materials fires occur and you are unsure what to use to extinguish them, what should you do?

• A. Wait for qualified firefighters
• B. Use water or foam immediately
• C. Use a small fire extinguisher
• D. Drive away

Answer: (A)

When a hazardous materials fire occurs and you don’t know what to use to extinguish it, safety means letting trained professionals handle it. Qualified firefighters or hazmat teams have the specialized training, protective gear, and knowledge to identify the substance and choose the correct extinguishing method. They can assess the scene, prevent the fire from spreading, and manage any dangerous vapors or reactions that could occur with unknown chemicals. Jumping in with water, foam, or a small extinguisher can worsen the situation by triggering chemical reactions, spreading the fire, or exposing you to harmful fumes. Driving away from the scene isn’t appropriate because you may leave the hazard behind or put yourself and others at risk. The right move is to stop, evacuate to a safe distance if needed, and call emergency services so professionals can respond.