Cabin fire caused by light fitting overheating

• Have regular inspections of unoccupied cabins and other spaces; if possible and appropriate, electrically isolate such spaces. Ensure everything is powered off including lights. Consider locking all unoccupied rooms once they have been inspected and rendered safe from potential fire sources.
  
  
• Ensure that portable fire extinguishers and all other types of firefighting equipment are always kept in place in their designated stations in operable condition and ready for immediate and effective use.
  
  
• Inspect all cabin light fixtures by removing covers/shrouds to identify any noticeable signs of deterioration/corrosion, etc., or other issues of concern. Remedial actions should be left to the engineers; crew members should not attempt to remedy such concerns themselves.
  
  
• Finally, highlight the one thing that prevented this scenario from resulting in a much worse incident was the  crew member who became uneasy when he smelled something odd and checked it out.  
  
  
• If you see signs of or an actual fire, raise the alarm! Never investigate further or tackle the fire unless it is safe to do so.
  
  

Members may wish to refer to 

• Diver helmet hat light [strong smell of smoke was investigated]
• ‘Routine’ task, non-routine result: Batteries stored sideways leak battery acid [Crew…noticed a smell, and investigated]
• Near-miss: burnt out electrical socket