What should be done before attempting to fight a Type B fire?

Before attempting to fight a Type B fire, ensuring that everyone is evacuated and safe is crucial. The primary responsibility during any fire situation is the safety of people involved. While it may be tempting to act quickly to extinguish the fire, prioritizing human safety is fundamental. If individuals are still in the vicinity of the fire, they are at risk of injury or worse, which could be exacerbated by smoke inhalation or flames.

Evacuating everyone not only protects them but also clears the area, allowing the person attempting to use the extinguisher to act more effectively and safely. After confirming that everyone is safe, the individual can then proceed with assessing the situation and deciding the best course of action for extinguishing the fire, if it is safe to do so.

The other options are important in their own right, such as checking alarms and ensuring equipment is turned off, but they should not take precedence over establishing safety for all individuals in the vicinity of the fire.