In the event of a fire at a bulk storage plant, what is a recommended action to extinguish the fire?

Using the fire hose to cool the container contents is the recommended action in the event of a fire at a bulk storage plant. The reasoning behind this is primarily centered on safety and minimizing the risk of explosion or further combustion. The contents of the storage containers may be under pressure and could become more volatile if exposed to high heat. By cooling the containers, the risk of a catastrophic failure due to overheating is reduced, which in turn helps to prevent the fire from spreading or intensifying.

Cooling the contents also allows for a safer environment for emergency responders, and it can help maintain control over the fire situation. It is also a general best practice in fire management to mitigate the effects of heat on pressurized containers.

In contrast, using water to extinguish flames may not be appropriate for certain flammable materials, as it can spread the fire or cause additional hazards. Evacuating all personnel, while critical for safety, does not directly help control the fire itself. Switching off nearby equipment may be necessary in some cases, but it does not address the immediate need to cool down the containers and control the flames effectively.