What should be done in the event of a fire or disorder as per General Order 8?

In the context of General Order 8, the proper protocol when faced with a fire or disorder is to sound the alarm. This action serves as an immediate notification to others within the vicinity of the emergency, ensuring that everyone is aware of the situation and can take appropriate measures for their safety.

Sounding the alarm is crucial because it initiates a coordinated response to the incident. It notifies trained personnel who are equipped to handle emergencies and activates emergency protocols, including evacuation plans and the involvement of emergency services if necessary.

While evacuating the area, calling for reinforcement, or attempting to extinguish the fire might be considered in specific scenarios, these actions should generally follow the sounding of the alarm. The priority is to ensure that everyone is aware of the danger and can react accordingly, which is why sounding the alarm is deemed the first and most critical step in response to fire or disorder as outlined in the General Orders.