Wikipedia:Fire (essay)
This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
When your neighbor sets fire to his kitchen, you do not hold a conference with your roommates; you put out the fire and administer first aid.
Wikipedia's structures are designed to build a collaborative encyclopedia, not to deal with actual emergencies. When an actual emergency may be in progress, notify the proper authorities and take appropriate measures to limit the damage. A quiet, calm, and firm approach is generally best. If you can deal with the problem yourself in a quick manner, then do it promptly.
Be sure to report the results and explain the story behind the scene, but it is of utmost importance that the problem be dealt with first.