Fire safety in caravans

The principles for staying safe from a fire in a caravan or mobile home are the same as they are in a house but there are a number of further considerations:

• fires in caravans are extremely dangerous
• have an evacuation plan, for getting out quickly
• have your own fire extinguisher and fire blanket and make sure that everybody knows how and when to use them
• make sure that your gas (LPG) cylinder is outside, on level ground and in a well-ventilated area away from any heat source
• make sure that there is a good connection to the gas pipe and the cylinder is secured
• stand any solid fuel heater on a proper metal or stone slab
• never use petrol, paraffin or diesel fuel when lighting a solid fuel stove or heater
• ashes should be removed with a metal shovel and metal bucket and left outside in a safe and secure place to cool down
• use a guard with your heating appliances

• make sure that your site has a fire drill or safety routine and means of calling the emergency services
• find out the whereabouts of the available fire fighting equipment and know how it is operated
• park caravans and mobile homes at least 6 metres apart
• park cars well clear of caravans and mobile homes
• never store petrol, diesel or gas containers under your caravan or mobile home
• place empty containers in a safe place or suitable storage away from caravans and vehicles and away from any heat source
• never let rubbish build up around a caravan. It is a fire hazard