A red fire extinguisher with a black nozzle and hose, placed against a clean, pastel white background. The fire extinguisher is shown in a minimalist and modern style, emphasizing its sleek design. The nozzle is angled to the left, drawing attention to the simplicity and functionality of the safety device.

Fire Extinguishers 101: A Quick Renovation Safety Win

There’s a lot to think about when you’re renovating—design choices, permits, timelines—but have you thought about fire safety? Specifically, whether your home has the right fire extinguisher?

It’s not the flashiest part of a home upgrade, but adding or updating fire extinguishers during renovations is one of the smartest, simplest ways to improve safety—and peace of mind.

An instructional infographic titled 'How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?' with four illustrated steps: 1) 'Pull the Pin' - a hand pulling the safety pin from the extinguisher; 2) 'Aim at Base of Fire' - aiming the nozzle at the fire's base; 3) 'Squeeze the Lever' - a hand squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent; 4) 'Sweep Side to Side' - a sweeping motion directed at the base of the flames. The illustrations use simple black, white, and red colors for clarity.

Why It Belongs in Your Renovation Plan

Renovations often mean changes to layouts, materials, and electrical systems—all of which can affect fire risk. While you’re already in improvement mode, take a moment to plan for what you’d do in case of a fire.

Adding a fire extinguisher (or a few) isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being prepared. And if you’ve already got one sitting in a dusty corner from a decade ago, this might be the perfect time for an upgrade.

So… What Kind Should You Get?

You’ve probably seen different “types” of extinguishers: A, B, C, maybe even K. But here’s the simple version: for most homes, a multipurpose ABC extinguisher covers the basics—fires from wood, paper, fabric, grease, and electrical.

If you’re renovating a kitchen or garage, that’s where specialty types come in. For example, Class K is used in kitchens for grease fires. You don’t need to memorize every code—just make sure you have the right one in the right spot.
A chart titled 'Classes of Fires' with five fire classifications: Class A (green triangle) for general flammable materials like fabric, paper, and lumber; Class B (red square) for combustible liquids such as motor oil and paint; Class C (blue circle) for electric currents and devices; Class D (yellow star) for flammable metals; and Class K (purple hexagon) for kitchen flammables like grease. Below is a table listing different extinguisher types (Foam Spray, ABC Powder, Carbon Dioxide, Wet Chemical, Water) and their suitability for each fire class. 'YES' and 'NO' indications in green and red indicate compatibility with each class.

Where to Put Them

  • Kitchen: Always. Most household fires start here. Keep an extinguisher within easy reach but not right next to the stove.
  • Garage or Workshop: If your renovation includes a tool zone, install one here—especially near flammable materials.
  • Basement: Finishing a basement? Great time to include fire safety in the plan, especially near furnaces or laundry areas.
  • Each Floor: It’s a good idea to have at least one extinguisher per floor—think of it like smoke detectors.

Bonus Points for Smart Placement

Just like you’d plan where outlets and switches go, think about where your extinguishers will live. They should be visible, accessible, and regularly checked (they do expire!).

And if you’re upgrading cabinets, pantries, or closets—consider carving out space for emergency gear that still looks clean and integrated into your design.

Renovation Safety for Quebec Homes

In Quebec, where homes face cold winters, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, and older heating systems, fire prevention isn’t optional—it’s essential. Renovations give you a real chance to modernize how your home handles risk.

Think of fire extinguishers as part of a layered defense—along with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and smart home alerts. It’s not about overengineering—it’s about being thoughtful with the updates you’re already making.

Part of the Bigger Picture

When you upgrade your home, you’re not just improving how it looks—you’re upgrading how it works, how it feels, and how it protects the people in it. Fire extinguishers might be small, but they play a big role in that equation.

So while you’re choosing tile and lighting, don’t forget to pick up a fire extinguisher—or make space for one you’ll actually use. It’s a five-minute decision that could save a home.

An infographic displaying five different types of fire extinguishers: Carbon Dioxide, ABC Powder, Foam Spray, Wet Chemical, and Water Spray. Each extinguisher is labeled with its type and shows a distinct design and color coding. The title reads 'EXTINGUISHER TYPE CYLINDER CONTAINS,' indicating the contents and uses of each extinguisher type. The image serves as a visual guide for identifying the appropriate extinguisher for various fire situations.

Next Steps

Want to learn more simple ways to stay safe during a renovation? Carbon Monoxide safety tips or  check carbon monoxide detector placement to build a safer, smarter home from the ground up.