Why should crew don an oxygen mask when fighting a cabin fire?

• A. To conserve oxygen for passengers
• B. To provide breathable oxygen and reduce inhalation of smoke, improving effectiveness
• C. To signal for help via oxygen signature
• D. To stay warm

Answer: (B)

When fighting a cabin fire, the immediate priority is keeping the crew able to breathe and function in a smoke-filled, hot environment. An oxygen mask delivers breathable air directly to the lungs, which maintains adequate oxygen levels even as the surrounding air is crowded with smoke and toxic gases. This protection against inhaling smoke and toxins helps prevent dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, so crewmembers stay clear-headed, coordinated, and able to move, locate the fire, and operate extinguishing equipment effectively. The purpose isn’t to warm the crew or to conserve oxygen for passengers, and oxygen masks aren’t used as a signaling tool; their main value is sustaining safe breathing to improve firefighting performance.