In flight, how is a cargo fire in a cargo compartment addressed and what steps are taken to extinguish?

• A. Isolate the area by vent and compartment controls, deploy extinguishing agents if applicable, and follow cargo fire QRH; coordinate with crew and air traffic control.
• B. Immediately land and evac.
• C. Open cargo doors to vent.
• D. Rely on ground fire services only.

Answer: (B)

When handling an in-flight cargo fire, the key is to suppress and contain the fire onboard first while you organize a safe diversion. The best approach is to isolate the affected cargo area using the vent and compartment controls to limit oxygen flow and prevent spread, then deploy extinguishing agents if the aircraft has them available, and follow the cargo fire procedures in the QRH. This sequence ensures you actively address the fire with the aircraft’s systems and the crew’s training, rather than relying on outside help alone. Coordinating with the rest of the crew and with air traffic control is essential to manage the diversion, altitude, routing, and arrival logistics so the aircraft can land at the proper airport with emergency services ready if needed.

Opening cargo doors to vent is not a standard or safe in-flight action, and waiting only for ground fire services ignores the urgent need to suppress the fire while you still have control of the aircraft. Simply landing and evacuating without attempting onboard suppression or following established procedures could miss critical steps that reduce risk to everyone on board and on the ground.