What should be done first if smoke is billowing from a door?

When smoke is billowing from a door, checking for visible fire is the appropriate first step because it allows for a quick assessment of the situation before taking any further action. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of the responders and anyone who may be trapped inside. By checking for fire first, firefighters can determine whether immediate action is needed to suppress flames or if it's safe to proceed to the next step, such as opening the door.

Understanding the fire's location and whether it has spread is essential in developing a strategy for ventilation or rescue operations. This initial assessment can provide critical information regarding the fire's intensity and potential hazards, which can affect the tactics deployed.

Opening the door without first checking for visible fire may expose firefighters to dangerous conditions, such as a flashover or sudden spread of flames. Meanwhile, reporting the situation to command or investigating the source of smoke would not provide the immediate information needed to ensure safety on the scene, as these actions typically follow an initial assessment of the visible fire risk.