How should cabin ventilation be managed during a fire?

• A. Maintain current ventilation settings.
• B. Increase airflow to dilute smoke.
• C. Close all doors and seal the cabin.
• D. Isolate the affected area by closing ventilation lines and follow isolation steps.

Answer: (D)

When a fire starts, the aim is to stop air and smoke from moving into the rest of the cabin. The ventilation system can carry smoke and heat along ducts and vents, so containing the airflow around the affected area is crucial. Isolating the affected area by closing the ventilation lines and following the established isolation steps limits the spread of smoke, helps keep the safe zones breathable, and gives the crew control over the environment and evacuation. Keeping ventilation as is would feed the fire, increasing smoke spread; increasing airflow would push smoke further; closing all doors and sealing the cabin isn’t practical or safe in flight. So, isolating the area and applying the isolation procedures is the best approach.