What is the first action a security officer should take if they discover a fire?

The first action a security officer should take upon discovering a fire is to activate the fire alarm. This step is crucial because it alerts all occupants of the building to the danger, initiating an immediate response to evacuate the premises safely. Activating the alarm provides critical time for individuals to exit the building and can potentially save lives.

Once the alarm is activated, the officer can then call the fire department and assist with evacuating the area. Searching for the source of the fire is not a priority in this situation, as the primary focus must be on ensuring everyone’s safety.