An excavator operator smells smoke and sees flames coming from the engine compartment. The engine is still running. What is the immediate priority action according to standard emergency procedures?

Question: An excavator operator smells smoke and sees flames coming from the engine compartment. The engine is still running. What is the immediate priority action according to standard emergency procedures?

Answer options: ✅ Immediately shut down the engine, activate the fire suppression system if equipped, and evacuate following the three-point contact method.

• Attempt to open the engine cover to assess the fire's source and magnitude manually.
• Drive the excavator to a designated fire assembly point before shutting down.
• Contact the supervisor via two-way radio to report the fire, then wait for instructions.

Correct answer: Immediately shut down the engine, activate the fire suppression system if equipped, and evacuate following the three-point contact method.

Explanation: In an equipment fire, the immediate priority is to shut down the engine to cut off fuel and oxygen, activate any onboard suppression, and evacuate safely. This aligns with IUOE 793 and CCOHS guidance on equipment fire emergencies.