snowsuit2654

Because the person was threatening violence and any of these quick/loud actions could have triggered them to act. I think op is implying it would have been safer to be discreet and casually check the situation without alerting the person threatening their colleague.

Turning off the heat and leaving the lid on was the correct approach. Glad you’re safe.

Mask up! Breathing smoke is bad for your lungs. Good luck.

Basically this exact thing happened to me as a child. I was fine but it is one of my earliest memories. Good job!