What is the first action a miner should take upon discovering a small fire in the mine?

When a miner discovers a small fire in the mine, the priority is to assess the situation and manage risks while ensuring the safety of all personnel. The response to a small fire involves an initial attempt to extinguish it if it is within the capabilities of the miner and does not put them or others at greater risk. This action can prevent the fire from spreading and allow for more control over the situation, especially if it is manageable and contained.

Having the right equipment on hand, such as a fire extinguisher or other fire suppression tools, is crucial for this action. If the fire is too large, or if conditions worsen, then the miner may need to reassess and shift to alerting personnel or evacuating the area. It's important that miners are trained to make quick decisions based on their assessment of fire safety and to act promptly in order to minimize danger.

The other options—alerting personnel, evacuating the area, or calling for emergency services—are all critical actions but follow the initial attempt to contain a small fire when it is safe to do so, making the effort to extinguish the fire the first line of defense. If the initial attempt fails or the fire becomes uncontrollable, those subsequent actions would then be necessary to ensure