What action should be taken when smoke is detected in the cargo area?

When smoke is detected in the cargo area of an aircraft, activating the fire suppression system is the appropriate action to take. This system is specifically designed to detect and suppress fires effectively in that critical area, helping to control the situation before it escalates. The suppression system works by releasing fire-extinguishing agents and is crucial in preventing smoke from spreading and reducing the risk of a more significant fire and potential loss of the aircraft or harm to the crew and passengers.

While inspecting the cargo or signaling for ground support may be necessary at a later stage, those actions are secondary to immediately addressing the potential fire hazard. Evacuating passengers might be necessary depending on the situation, but the primary response should always be to first suppress the fire to ensure the safety of everyone on board. It is vital that pilots understand this priority to maintain safety and prevent further emergencies from developing.