What should you do first in the emergency procedures for an external engine fire?

In the event of an external engine fire, the primary and immediate responsibility is to alert the pilot. The pilot needs to be informed so they can take appropriate action, including initiating emergency protocols for the aircraft. This is crucial because the pilot has control over the aircraft's systems and can make decisions about shutting down engines or deploying extinguishing agents, which are essential for managing the situation effectively and ensuring the safety of the crew and the aircraft.

While shutting down the engine and signaling the fire department are necessary actions that follow, they must be executed after informing the pilot. Injecting an extinguishing agent can only be done if it is safe to do so and with the proper consent from the pilot. Thus, alerting the pilot is the first step in the emergency procedures for handling an external engine fire, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the emergency.