What should you do if a fluorescent light ballast fire occurs?

In the event of a fluorescent light ballast fire, the appropriate action is to notify the flight deck and use a halon extinguisher if necessary. This choice is correct because halon extinguishers are specifically designed to combat electrical fires, which includes incidents involving fluorescent light ballasts. These fires can be caused by malfunctioning electrical components and require non-conductive extinguishing agents like halon to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Promptly notifying the flight deck is also crucial. It allows the crew to assess the situation and coordinate further response measures, which may include alerting the rest of the crew and passengers, as well as activating emergency protocols.

Using water to extinguish a ballast fire is not advisable since water is a conductor of electricity, and applying it to an electrical fire poses serious risk of electrocution. Evacuating immediately might create unnecessary panic and could be excessive for a contained fire that can be managed effectively with proper extinguishing methods. Ignoring the fire is dangerous, as even minor fires can escalate quickly and compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Taking swift and appropriate action ensures both safety and control over the situation.