During a pesticide fire, the safest immediate action for nearby people is to

• A. Evacuate upwind
• B. Evacuate downwind
• C. Stay indoors only
• D. Approach the plume

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that pesticide fumes travel with the wind, so the danger is in the downwind direction of the fire. The safest immediate action is to move to an area upwind of the fire or to seek shelter indoors with doors and windows closed and ventilation off to prevent fumes from entering. This keeps you out of the plume path and reduces inhalation exposure. Evacuating toward the downwind side would place you directly in the path of the toxic smoke, increasing your exposure. If you can’t get to the upwind area, getting indoors quickly and minimizing air entry helps minimize contact with the fumes.