General 8 simple ways to reduce risk of fire at the cottage By Penny Caldwell Published: November 24, 2021 Updated: March 26, 2024 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Bill45 / Shutterstock Have a fire extinguisher handy It should go without saying that you need a working fire extinguisher at the cottage. Check the expiration date and replace or recharge if necessary. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by newsony / Shutterstock Locate portable heaters carefully Place portable heaters where they can’t easily be knocked over and will not come in contact with flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, or those mitts and socks you’ve hung to dry. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Maliflower73 / Shutterstock Be aware of candles and kerosene lamps Keep candles firmly fixed in a stable holder away from flammable surfaces or curtains, and avoid walking around with lit candles or kerosene lamps. Reduce the risk of drips and flaring by trimming candle wicks to five to seven millimetres. Never leave candles unattended. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Marcel Paschertz / Shutterstock Maintain emergency access Be proactive: remove fallen trees from laneways, and trim back encroaching branches so help can get to you. Post your 911 civic address on the end of your dock if you are water-access. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Jannissimo / Shutterstock Manage grease fires effectively If grease ignites in a pan, turn off the burner, and cover the pan with a pot lid or a metal baking sheet to kill the flame. Baking soda can smother a small fire, but do not throw water, baking powder, or flour on the fire—these can make the fire worse. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Matthew Szczygiel / Shutterstock Make a place for butting out Designate a smoking area at the cottage. All you need is a deep sand- or water-filled can for butts outside and good-sized ashtrays with stable bases. No butts or matches in the planters, please; these can contain peat moss, shredded wood, and bark that can ignite. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by Bonsales / Shutterstock Power appliances properly If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the power of the appliance. Watch for worn or frayed cords, and unroll them completely to avoid overheating. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Photo by LesPalenik / Shutterstock Choose fire-safe building materials When building and renovating, consider using non-flammable materials such as double-glazed windows, metal roofs, and brick veneer. Though beautiful, untreated cedar shingles are among the most flammable materials. View in Fullscreen Related galleries 8 giant roadside landmarks to spot across Canada Meet 7 early risers of the wildlife world Perched on the Bay of Fundy, these curious, colourful cottages might be Nova Scotia’s best-kept secret 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 simple ways to reduce risk of fire at the cottage This article about reducing the risk of fires at the cottage was originally published as part of the story “Burn Notice” in the Winter 2018 issue of Cottage Life. Read more: Wildfire experts explain how to keep your cottage safe How to refill a fire extinguisher Related Story 6 things to think about now if you’re planning a reno next year