What does the RACE acronym stand for in fire response?

• A. Respond, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate.
• B. Rescue, Assess, Contain, Extinguish.
• C. Run, Alert, Contain, Extinguish.
• D. Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is the practical sequence you follow when a fire starts: Rescue anyone in immediate danger if you can do so safely, Alarm or alert others to the fire, Contain the fire to prevent it from spreading, and Extinguish it only if you are trained and it’s safe to do so. This order—Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish—best fits how responders prioritize safety, notification, and control. Some other options mix in less appropriate terms or place evacuating ahead of containment/extinguishing, which isn’t the standard initial response in a small, manageable fire. In a CNA context, act to save lives first, then alert, then contain, then attempt to extinguish if you’re equipped and it’s safe.