What steps should a flight attendant take in case of a fire on board?

When dealing with an onboard fire, the most critical response for a flight attendant is to assess the source of the fire before taking action. This approach is essential for ensuring both personal safety and the safety of passengers. By identifying the source, a flight attendant can determine the appropriate method to extinguish the fire, if trained to do so, using the right type of fire extinguisher.

In this scenario, it's important to understand that not all fires are the same; they may involve different materials that require specific extinguishing methods. Assessing the situation helps to make informed decisions, such as whether to use water, a fire extinguisher, or if the situation requires evacuation instead.

Promptly extinguishing a fire without proper assessment could lead to escalating the danger, especially if the fire is out of control or if the method of extinguishment is inappropriate. Waiting for instructions from passengers or evacuating without assessing the fire could cause panic and may not address the immediate danger effectively. Therefore, the trained response emphasizes assessing the fire first to ensure the safety of everyone on board.