Consider having a fire blanket in your kitchen, mounted on the wall where you can get to it instantly.
Make sure your ventilation is working properly and not blocked up, especially if you have a gas cooker.
Stew raisins in water until less then 1 cup of water remains. Chill until cold. Drain raisins juice into a cup. Cream sugar, shortening and salt. Add enough water to raisin juice to make 1 cup of liquid. Add raisins and liquid to sugar mixture. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, soda and flour. Beat until well mixed. Bake in a greased and floured loaf or tube pan at 350F for about 1 hour. -----