If an engine fire occurs during start-up, what is the initial action to take?

In the event of an engine fire during start-up, the recommended initial action is to keep cranking the engine. This is because keeping the engine cranking allows for the potential of the fire to be drawn into the engine and consumed in the combustion process, which could extinguish the flames. If the fire is not extinguished and the engine catches, this action could help minimize the risk of fire spreading outside the engine compartment.

Other actions, such as turning the throttle full open or the mixture to idle, may not effectively address the fire and could potentially worsen the situation by allowing more fuel into the intake or starving the engine of fuel. Turning off the master switch is also a critical step, but it is typically done after assessing the situation as it cuts off electrical power which could inhibit the engine from cranking further.

Understanding this sequence of priorities emphasizes the importance of rapid decision-making in emergency situations, ensuring safety is maintained while trying to mitigate the fire risk effectively.