If a private residence has a single fire extinguisher, where should it be located?

The most appropriate location for a fire extinguisher in a private residence is in the kitchen. This is due to the fact that a significant number of residential fires originate in the kitchen, often as a result of cooking activities. Having the fire extinguisher easily accessible in this area increases the likelihood of quickly addressing a fire before it can spread, potentially saving lives and property from extensive damage.

While other areas in the house, such as the living room, bathroom, and garage, could also benefit from having a fire extinguisher, the kitchen clearly stands out as the highest risk area for fire incidents. In contrast, fires in bathrooms are less common, and garages, while they can contain flammable materials, generally do not see the same frequency of fire-related incidents as kitchens. As such, placing a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is a proactive safety measure tailored to the most common source of household fires.