What can indicate a lavatory fire? And what are your first actions?

• A. Smoke alarm or visible smoke; feel outside of door with back of hand
• B. Smell of coffee; knock on door
• C. Popping sound; open door
• D. Vent squeak; step back

Answer: (A)

Early detection in this scenario relies on recognizing smoke or a smoke alarm as a clear signal that a fire may be present in the lavatory. The safest first action is to check the door’s temperature before opening it: feel the door surface with the back of your hand. This quick heat check helps you decide whether opening the door would feed the fire with fresh air. If the door is hot, do not open it—keep it closed and immediately alert a crew member so trained personnel can respond with the proper extinguishing methods. If the door isn’t hot, you may open cautiously to assess and to enable a safe response, but the priority remains contacting the crew and acting within established procedures. The other cues listed aren’t reliable indicators of a lavatory fire in flight, whereas smoke or an alarm are the real warning signs.