What is the recommended action if a fire is detected in the cabin?

When a fire is detected in the cabin, the recommended action is to use a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so and then notify the crew. This approach prioritizes immediate containment of the fire while ensuring that proper communication with the rest of the crew occurs to coordinate further actions and maintain passenger safety.

Using a fire extinguisher allows for an immediate response to control the fire, which is crucial in preventing it from spreading. After the initial attempt to manage the fire, notifying the crew ensures that all members are aware of the situation and can take additional safety precautions, such as preparing for possible evacuation or managing the cabin environment to protect passengers.

Actions such as notifying air traffic control or attempting to douse the fire with water may not be appropriate in a cabin environment where specific fire types may be present, and where water may not effectively extinguish the flames, potentially worsening the situation. Evacuating immediately without addressing the fire first could endanger passengers if the fire is not yet at a point where evacuation is necessary. Therefore, the outlined action in the correct answer focuses on a balanced and systematic approach to managing cabin fires effectively.