What actions should be taken for an engine fire in flight?

• A. Identify the fire, pull the corresponding fire handle, shut off fuel and bleed air to the engine, discharge extinguishing agent, and follow QRH procedures.
• B. Identify the fire and immediately declare an emergency while continuing flight.
• C. Shut off all engines and divert to the nearest airport without using extinguishing agents.
• D. Ignore the fire unless it becomes visible to the flight crew.

Answer: (A)

When an engine fire in flight occurs, the priority is to stop the fire and maintain control by isolating the affected engine and following a proven checklist. Start by quickly identifying which engine is on fire through cockpit indications and any visual cues. Then pull the corresponding fire handle. This action isolates the engine by closing the fuel control and shutting off bleed air, which stops supplying the fire and helps prevent further damage. Pulling the fire handle also arms the extinguishing system so the agent can be discharged into the engine. After the fire bottle has been discharged and the engine is isolated, follow the QRH procedures exactly as written. The QRH provides the required sequence, checks, and communications to safely manage the situation, including any administrative steps, potential diversions, and subsequent actions after the fire is controlled.

Declaring an emergency is important, but it doesn’t replace the need to address the fire itself; you must still isolate the engine, extinguish it, and follow the checklist. Shutting down all engines or diverting without using extinguishing agents leaves you without power to the airplane or with an unresolved fire, which is unsafe. Ignoring the fire is dangerous and must be avoided.