What should flight deck do with ATC during a fire?

• A. Silence transmissions to avoid panic.
• B. Report the situation, request priority handling and diversion if necessary, and provide status updates.
• C. Wait for passengers to volunteer information.
• D. Notify only ground crew.

Answer: (B)

When a fire breaks out on board, the priority is to get immediate, clear coordination with air traffic control to manage the emergency and secure a safe landing. The flight deck should promptly report the situation, declare an emergency, squawk the emergency code, request priority handling, and, if needed, divert to the most suitable airport. Throughout, provide ongoing status updates—fuel status, position and altitude, weather, who is on board, the nature and extent of the fire, and actions taken—so ATC can arrange the fastest, safest routing and ensure emergency services are ready on arrival. This coordination helps ensure a swift landing with proper ground support.

Delaying transmissions, relying on passengers for information, or notifying only ground crews would hinder the necessary coordination and safety response.