It takes only a few seconds for a simple flare-up on the grill or in a pan to turn into a full-scale fire. Grease fires, electrical fires, or even a waste container full of paper going up when a match is carelessly tossed into it are easy to imagine happening in any busy kitchen. A comprehensive fire-safety plan should be in place and a standard part of all employee training.
The first step in avoiding fires is to make sure that the entire staff, both kitchen and dining room, is fully aware of the potential dangers of fire everywhere in a restaurant. If you see someone handling a situation improperly, first get the situation under control, then take the time to explain what your concern is and how to avoid the situation in the future.