If the LH engine fire ON light illuminates and the fire bell audible warning sounds, the pilot should first do what?

• A. Move the LH thrust lever to IDLE
• B. Move the LH thrust lever to CUTOFF
• C. Push the LH engine fire button
• D. Push the fire bottle

Answer: (A)

When an engine fire warning occurs, the first priority is to starve the fire by reducing fuel to the affected engine and slowing it down. Moving the left thrust lever to IDLE accomplishes this quickly, cutting fuel flow and bringing the engine RPM down to a safe level so the fire is less likely to grow and the airplane remains controllable. After the engine is at IDLE, the next steps would be to isolate the engine and discharge the extinguishing agent as required (typically by pressing the engine fire button and then deploying the bottle). Pushing the fire bottle or selecting CUTOFF before reducing thrust isn’t the preferred first action because initiating fuel isolation and extinguishment while the engine is still at high thrust can be less effective and riskier.