A caravan fire can spread in seconds - would you know what to do?
Caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents offer freedom and adventure, but their lightweight construction means fires can spread quickly. Taking a few precautions can make all the difference in keeping you, your family and friends safe.
In the event of a fire: "Get Out, Stay Out, & Call 999!!!”
Have an Emergency Plan
- Know Your Exits: Ensure everyone knows how to operate emergency windows and that keys are kept in a consistent, reachable place.
- Evacuate Immediately: In the event of a fire, get everyone out immediately without stopping for valuables.
- Raise the Alarm: Alert neighbours and the site manager/warden.
- Call Emergency Services: Use your phone or the nearest site telephone to call 999. Provide your exact location, the What3Words app will help emergency services find you quickly.
Essential Fire Safety Equipment
Equipping your caravan with the right tools is the first step in fire prevention and protection:
- Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Ensure there is a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in place and that they are tested regularly.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher (typically foam or water mist is preferred over dry powder for small, confined spaces) mounted near the exit door.
- Fire Blanket: Mount a fire blanket near the cooking area, but not directly above the hob where you might have to reach through flames to grab it.
- Emergency Lighting: Keep a working torch or battery-operated lamp easily accessible to avoid using candles during power outages.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when a fuel such as charcoal, gas or petrol burns incompletely. This could be because an appliance isn’t working properly or might simply happen as part of its normal function. Barbecues, for example, produce carbon monoxide even when they are working well.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas and is poisonous. In high concentrations it can kill swiftly.
In smaller concentrations CO poisoning can give symptoms like flu or food poisoning.
Look out for:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness and weakness
The best advice is to avoid any chance of being poisoned in the first place.
- Barbecues: Should never be taken into a tent, awning, caravan or motorhome. Even a cooling barbecue gives off plenty of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO), which can kill.
- Safer Heating: Never run a gas, petrol or diesel-powered generator or a heater that is not designed for this purpose inside a caravan, motorhome, tent or awning.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Ensure there is a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that is tested to BS EN50291-2 and kitemarked.
Pitching and Outdoor Safety
Safe positioning on a campsite creates a vital firebreak between units:
- The 6-Metre Rule: Always maintain at least 6 metres (20ft) of space between your caravan and the next unit to prevent fire from jumping between vehicles.
- Clearance: Keep the area around and under your caravan clear of litter, long grass, and combustible materials.
- Gas Cylinder Storage: Keep gas bottles outside the caravan in a secure, upright position, and turn them off when not in use.
Indoor Prevention Tips
- Cooking: Never leave pans unattended and keep tea towels or curtains away from the hob. Do not cook inside a tent or awning.
- Heaters and Electrics: Do not dry clothes on or over heaters. Unplug chargers and turn off all appliances before going to bed. Never run a gas, petrol or diesel-powered generator or heater that is not designed for this purpose inside a caravan, motorhome, tent or awning.
- Ventilation: Never block air vents, as they are essential for preventing a build-up of lethal carbon monoxide gas.
- Barbecues: Never bring a barbecue inside a caravan (even one that is cooling) or awning due to the high risk of fire and CO poisoning.