What should you do if you encounter smoke while trying to fight a fire?

When encountering smoke while trying to fight a fire, the safest course of action is to evacuate immediately and not attempt to combat the fire. Smoke can indicate the presence of a fire that is too dangerous to handle without proper training, equipment, and conditions.

Smoke inhalation is a significant health hazard that can lead to disorientation, difficulty breathing, and can incapacitate individuals, making it difficult to exit a building safely. The presence of smoke often indicates a rapidly deteriorating situation, where the fire may be spreading quickly, and conditions may worsen. Prioritizing personal safety and the safety of others is crucial in fire emergencies.

While tactics like closing doors to contain the fire can be effective under certain circumstances, they should typically be employed by trained professionals with proper protective gear. Similarly, attempts to continue fighting or staying low while combating a fire could expose individuals to severe risks if there is dense smoke and the fire's intensity is unknown. Evacuating the area and allowing trained firefighters to manage the incident is the best and safest approach.