When a fire threatens a warehouse containing explosives, what is the first precaution you should take?

In a situation where a fire threatens a warehouse containing explosives, the foremost priority is to ensure the safety of personnel. Evacuating individuals in the area immediately reduces the risk of injury or worse in the event that the fire escalates, potentially causing an explosion.

This action takes precedence because explosives present a significant danger, and rapid evacuation minimizes exposure to harm as well as the likelihood of panic that can ensue during emergencies. Once individuals are safely evacuated, further steps can be taken, such as notifying the fire department or the safety office to handle the fire, but the safety of everyone in the vicinity is the critical first response.

Addressing the other options, notifying the safety office or calling the fire department, while important, should occur after ensuring that all personnel are safely evacuated. Attempting to extinguish the fire could be extremely dangerous in this context, as the presence of explosives complicates the situation and could lead to disastrous consequences.