What are the steps for a standard engine fire drill and how do you confirm a fire is contained?

What are the steps for a standard engine fire drill and how do you confirm a fire is contained?

• A. Pull the fire handle, cut fuel supply, shut down engine, discharge extinguisher into engine bay, power off; verify no signs of ongoing fire; maintain safe landing.
• B. Discharge extinguisher first, then pull the fire handle, etc.
• C. Cut fuel supply, power off, then pull the fire handle.
• D. Pull the fire handle only; no need to discharge extinguisher.

Answer: (A)

When facing an engine fire, the priority is to quickly remove fuel and energy sources from the engine while beginning fire suppression, then ensure the flame is gone and you can land safely. Pulling the engine fire handle first is essential because it automatically isolates fuel and other needed systems and arms the extinguisher so any subsequent discharge will reach the engine bay. Cutting the fuel supply next guarantees that no fuel is being delivered to the engine, which is crucial to prevent further feeding of the fire. Shutting the engine down after that stops remaining engine energy sources and helps prevent re-ignition or damage from a turning engine. Discharging the extinguisher into the engine bay then actively suppresses the flames, while continuing to reduce the heat and burn rate inside the compartment. Powering off after that further disables electrical and other systems that could contribute to ignition. Finally, you verify there are no signs of ongoing fire—no flames, smoke, or heat—and prepare for a safe landing if the situation allows. Discharging the extinguisher too late or not at all would leave the fire to grow, while doing things out of order (for example, trying to land without first isolating fuel and shutting down the engine) risks continued fuel flow or engine actuation feeding the fire.

When facing an engine fire, the priority is to quickly remove fuel and energy sources from the engine while beginning fire suppression, then ensure the flame is gone and you can land safely.

Pulling the engine fire handle first is essential because it automatically isolates fuel and other needed systems and arms the extinguisher so any subsequent discharge will reach the engine bay. Cutting the fuel supply next guarantees that no fuel is being delivered to the engine, which is crucial to prevent further feeding of the fire. Shutting the engine down after that stops remaining engine energy sources and helps prevent re-ignition or damage from a turning engine. Discharging the extinguisher into the engine bay then actively suppresses the flames, while continuing to reduce the heat and burn rate inside the compartment. Powering off after that further disables electrical and other systems that could contribute to ignition. Finally, you verify there are no signs of ongoing fire—no flames, smoke, or heat—and prepare for a safe landing if the situation allows.

Discharging the extinguisher too late or not at all would leave the fire to grow, while doing things out of order (for example, trying to land without first isolating fuel and shutting down the engine) risks continued fuel flow or engine actuation feeding the fire.