What is the first action to take upon discovery of a mine fire?

Upon discovering a mine fire, the first action is to withdraw all miners from the mine, except those engaged in fighting the fire. This action prioritizes the safety of the miners and ensures that those who are not directly involved in combating the fire are safely evacuated from the hazardous environment.

The rationale behind this decision is based on established safety protocols in mining operations. The presence of smoke, heat, and potentially flammable materials makes it critical to minimize the number of individuals in the mine to avoid injuries and ensure a safe area for rescue and firefighting efforts. By evacuating miners, the chances of casualties or panic during an emergency are significantly reduced, allowing for a more organized and efficient response.

Furthermore, having only trained personnel fight the fire focuses efforts on managing the emergency without unnecessary risk to untrained miners. This approach aligns with standard emergency response practices, which emphasize the importance of protecting life first and addressing the fire situation afterwards through specialized means.