If a fire occurs, what is the priority action to take?

When a fire occurs, the priority action to take is to approach from upwind. This is crucial for several reasons, primarily related to safety and effectiveness in managing the situation. Approaching from upwind ensures that the responder is moving against the wind, which helps to minimize the risk of smoke inhalation and exposure to heat and flames. By being in the windward position, individuals can better assess the fire's behavior and potential spread while staying away from the hazardous smoke and gases that a fire emits. This tactic is essential for maintaining safety while dealing with the incident.

Additionally, while other options might seem relevant in a fire emergency, such as evacuating the area or attempting to extinguish the fire, they do not prioritize the necessary situational awareness and safety that coming from upwind provides. Alerting supervisors is important but is typically a step that comes after ensuring one has approached the situation safely. Hence, understanding the dynamics of wind in relation to fire behavior highlights the importance of approaching from an upwind position as a critical first step in responding to a fire emergency.