Upon discovering a small, contained fire in a wastebasket at a commercial establishment, what is the FIRST action a security guard should take if they are trained and equipped to do so?

Question: Upon discovering a small, contained fire in a wastebasket at a commercial establishment, what is the FIRST action a security guard should take if they are trained and equipped to do so?

Answer options:

• Activate the fire alarm and notify emergency services. ✅ Attempt to extinguish the fire using an appropriate extinguisher.
• Evacuate the immediate area and wait for fire department arrival.
• Contact their supervisor for instructions.

Correct answer: Attempt to extinguish the fire using an appropriate extinguisher.

Explanation: According to fire safety protocols, if a fire is small, contained, and you are trained and equipped, the first step is often to attempt to extinguish it while simultaneously ensuring that others are notified and emergency services are alerted if the fire cannot be immediately controlled. This is part of the 'RACE' acronym (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate).