What is the purpose of activating a fire alarm immediately after discovering a fire?

Activating a fire alarm immediately after discovering a fire serves the primary purpose of evacuating the area quickly. When a fire alarm is triggered, it alerts all individuals in the vicinity about the imminent danger, which prompts them to leave the premises swiftly and safely. Rapid evacuation is crucial in a fire emergency to minimize the risk of injury or loss of life, as a fire can spread rapidly and create hazardous conditions.

While informing other staff about the fire is part of the process, the alarm's primary function is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to evacuate without delay. Extinguishing the fire and trying to keep the situation under control may be necessary actions taken by trained personnel, but they should only occur if the individuals are safe and have time to do so without compromising their safety. Therefore, the effective activation of the fire alarm is centered on enabling a swift evacuation.