What should you do if your tire catches on fire while you are in hot brakes?

When a tire catches on fire while experiencing hot brakes, the correct action is to clear personnel and equipment a safe distance away to prevent injuries and further damage. Clearing personnel and equipment 300 feet is a prudent safety measure, as heat from the burning tire can be intense, and there is a risk of explosions or flying debris.

The distance ensures that anyone nearby is well outside the potential danger zone, which can be critical in an emergency situation. It's vital to account for wind direction and other environmental factors that could spread the fire or heat.

While clearing personnel is essential, calling emergency services and attempting to extinguish the fire may also be necessary steps. However, ensuring safety by creating a significant buffer from the fire is the immediate priority.