If an engine fire starts but the engine fails to start, what should you do regarding the auxiliary fuel pump?

When an engine fire occurs, especially during the starting phase, the primary concern is to mitigate the fire and protect the aircraft and its occupants. In such a situation, turning off the auxiliary fuel pump is crucial because the purpose of this system is to provide fuel to the engine. If the engine is not starting but there is a fire, continuing to provide fuel can exacerbate the situation, potentially allowing the fire to grow or creating an even greater hazard.

By turning off the auxiliary fuel pump, you stop the flow of fuel to the engine, reducing the available fuel for combustion and helping to extinguish the fire or prevent it from worsening. This action is a standard safety procedure during an engine fire and is essential to ensuring that the fire does not have the fuel source it requires to continue burning. It is a key part of emergency protocol in aviation safety, highlighting the importance of managing all systems onboard the aircraft judiciously in the face of a critical failure.