What should an officer do if a person's clothing is on fire?

When a person's clothing is on fire, the immediate priority is to extinguish the flames to prevent serious injury or death. Placing the person on the ground and attempting to smother the flames is a critical action because it can quickly cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, helping to put it out. This method is particularly effective since it prevents the flames from spreading and allows for a more controlled way of dealing with the situation.

While calling for emergency services and providing a fire blanket can be important steps in the overall response, the most urgent need is to stop the fire from burning. Entering water can be dangerous in certain situations and potentially ineffective in immediately reducing the flames. Thus, smothering the flames on the ground is the most focused response to extinguishing the fire at that moment.