Why is it necessary to shut off power before extinguishing a fire in an electric motor?

Shutting off power before extinguishing a fire in an electric motor is crucial primarily to avoid potential electric shock. When dealing with electrical equipment, the risk of electric shock increases significantly if the equipment is still energized. Water or other firefighting agents can conduct electricity, especially if the motor is still connected to a power source. This poses a serious danger to anyone attempting to extinguish the fire using conventional methods. Ensuring that the power is turned off eliminates this risk, allowing for a safer approach to handling the fire.

While other factors such as preventing further damage or ensuring the fire extinguishes quickly are important considerations in fire response, the immediate concern of personal safety takes precedence, making it imperative to de-energize the equipment first.