What emergency action must be taken in case of a fuel oil fire?

In the event of a fuel oil fire, activating fire alarms and evacuating the area is critical for ensuring the safety of all individuals present. This action serves multiple purposes: it alerts everyone in the vicinity to the danger, allows for a swift and organized evacuation, and enables emergency responders to arrive quickly and effectively.

While using a fire extinguisher might seem like a proactive measure, it’s often not advised for fuel oil fires unless the fire is small and manageable and the person attempting to extinguish it is trained and equipped to do so. Evacuating ensures that personnel are not placed at unnecessary risk.

Shutting off the fuel supply is a response that may need to be done but it should only be performed if it is safe to do so without endangering personal safety or if specifically trained personnel are available to handle such actions under controlled conditions.

Calling the manufacturer's hotline is not an immediate action that aids in an emergency situation; it is more useful for obtaining instructions or safety information under normal circumstances rather than in the midst of a fire.

Therefore, the priority during a fuel oil fire is to activate fire alarms and evacuate the area, prioritizing human safety while allowing trained professionals to address the fire once the scene is secure.