What should a security guard do if they discover a fire on the premises?

Activating the fire alarm and calling emergency services is the appropriate response for a security guard discovering a fire. This action ensures that the alarm alerts all occupants in the building to the danger, allowing them to evacuate immediately. By notifying emergency services, the guard also helps ensure that trained professionals are dispatched to handle the situation appropriately.

While it may be tempting to try to extinguish the fire, this can be dangerous if the guard is not properly trained or equipped to do so. The priority should always be the safety of individuals in the vicinity. Ignoring the situation is not an option, since fires can escalate quickly and put lives at risk. Additionally, evacuating only if people are present undermines the need for proactive safety measures; everyone in the vicinity should be alerted to the hazard regardless of whether they are seen.