While driving in a tunnel you were forced to bring your vehicle to a halt due to a fire. What should you do now?

In a tunnel fire, the priorities are to warn and call for help immediately and to fight the fire only if it is safely possible. That’s why triggering the fire alarm at the emergency call point is correct: it automatically alerts the tunnel control center/emergency services and gives them your exact location, which is crucial in a tunnel.

Trying to extinguish the fire as best you can is also correct, but only if it can be done without putting yourself in danger (for example, if the fire is still small and you can use a nearby extinguisher). If the fire grows, smoke builds up, or you are unsure, you must stop firefighting and focus on getting people out.

Locking the vehicle is not recommended because it can delay rescue and towing and wastes time you need for warning others and evacuating. In tunnel incidents, the rule of thumb is: raise the alarm, help only as far as it’s safe, leave the vehicle (key left in if possible), and evacuate quickly toward emergency exits.