Fires on Neighbors Lots

@Killerkite2332 I have never had a fire on a lot I was visiting, but what you did - exit without saving - was probably best in this situation. It will take you back to your last save.

A few options in that situation and in general for fires:

• On a neighboring lot, you could pause and click where the fire is and see if you have the option to extinguish the fire and try to be a hero. Remember that your sim can catch fire extinguishing a fire (by standing near it), but I find I can usually have one or more extinguish it fine. Alternately, you can just have your sim run outside and wait it out, or exit the game without saving.
• On your own lot I would recommend a smoke alarm by all fireplaces and stoves. And be super careful with incense. If you have the sprinkler system it will come on and you don't need to have them extinguish a fire. If you just have a smoke alarm you can pause click where the fire is and choose the option to extinguish the fire. You can even queue that action up a couple of times and for a couple of sims in the household, if you wish. Have all of the other sims run outside. Remember that your sim can catch fire extinguishing a fire (by standing near it), but I find I can usually have one or more extinguish it fine. Alternately, you can just have your sim run outside and wait it out, or exit the game without saving.

Unfortunately there is no fire department in Sims 4, so if you don't extinguish it or have a sprinkler system in place, you will be at the mercy of the fire. There are a number of upgrades that will help avoid this (for instance, you can add a fireguard on a fireplace, plus some upgrades on stoves may help (can't remember) but definitely cheaper stoves catch fire more easily. Also, sims should only make salads at first (and study cooking) until their cooking skill is higher, or they will have a high risk of starting a fire while cooking.