What is an immediate consideration when dealing with flammable materials?

When dealing with flammable materials, an immediate and critical consideration is eliminating ignition sources. Flammable materials can easily ignite and lead to fires or explosions if they come into contact with sparks, open flames, or any other source of heat. Therefore, ensuring that all potential ignition sources are removed from the area is essential for preventing an incident.

This involves identifying and controlling any activities or equipment that could create sparks or heat. By systematically assessing the environment for these hazards and taking proactive measures to eliminate them, responders can greatly reduce the risk of fires and ensure a safer situation while managing flammable substances.

Addressing other options may be components of a larger response strategy, but they do not address the immediate risks as directly as eliminating ignition sources does. For example, applying aqueous film-forming foam is a firefighting technique that may be employed after assessing and mitigating risks but is not a direct first step. Similarly, diking storm drains might be relevant for environmental protection after a spill, and deliberately igniting fuel to burn off materials is generally hazardous and not a standard practice in emergency response.