Which area of a vehicle fire should be extinguished first?

In a vehicle fire, extinguishing the passenger compartment first is crucial primarily because it directly concerns human safety. The passenger area is where people are most likely to be, either trapped inside or nearby, and it poses a significant hazard due to the potential for injury or fatality from fire, smoke inhalation, or explosions. Prioritizing this area helps to protect lives, as firefighters aim to rescue any trapped victims and prevent further injury to bystanders.

Additionally, once the passenger compartment is addressed, firefighters can then focus on other areas such as the engine compartment or cargo area, which may contain flammable materials but usually do not have the immediate risk to life as the passenger compartment does. This strategy emphasizes a focus on life safety before property conservation during firefighting operations.