What happens when smoke is detected in the FWD cargo?

When smoke is detected in the forward cargo area, the air circulation fan indeed turns off. This action helps to reduce the spread of smoke and potentially harmful gases throughout the cabin and the aircraft. By shutting down the fan, the system mitigates the risk of the smoke circulating to other areas where passengers and crew may be present, thereby ensuring a safer environment.

Turning off the air circulation fan is a critical procedure in smoke management and fire protection systems within aircraft. This illustrates the importance of having responsive safety protocols in the event of smoke detection, as it prioritizes the safety and health of everyone on board. While other options suggest additional actions that could be taken during such an event, the immediate response to smoke detection is to disable the fan system, representing a vital aspect of emergency procedures in the ERJ.