Sparking a conversation
Fire has to be every motorcaravanner’s greatest fear. The materials that a motorhome and its furnishings are made of burn very readily and there are multiple possible causes of ignition.
The danger is that once a fire starts, it escalates very, very rapidly. Add to the mix the gas that almost all motorhomes carry and the potential for disaster is clear.
The first line of defence has to be prevention and this can be straightforward – don’t have flammable items near the cooker. Tea towels, kitchen rolls, plastic wrapping from foodstuffs; all catch fire really quickly.
Don’t put stuff in lockers that house electrical items, such as 12V distribution units or chargers. If you do have to use those lockers for storage, make sure that everything is kept away from the electricals, to allow airflow to keep them cool.
If you add any electrical equipment to your motorhome, ensure that it is adequately fused and remember, the fuse is there to protect the wiring, not the appliance, so make sure it is of adequate rating for the wiring and no more.
Have your electrical systems (both mains and 12V) checked periodically – ideally an annual habitation inspection will include these checks.
Plan for all eventualities
The second line of defence is response. Make sure everyone in the motorhome knows what to do if the worst happens. Have a plan for what to do if fire does break out.
First and foremost, get every one out of the ’van, and task one person with phoning the fire brigade immediately. If you can safely do so, turn off the gas cylinder, and know how to tackle a fire.
If it is a pan on the hob, turn off the flame and cover the pan with a fire blanket or a wet towel. Do not put water directly on a burning pan!
Assuming that you carry a fire blanket and extinguisher(s), have them ready to hand. I’ve seen far too many tucked away in cupboards or under beds, which is no use at all when you really need them. Your fire blankets should be wall-mounted within reach of the cooker, while extinguishers should be by the points of exit from the vehicle. Be aware of the benefits and shortfalls of different types. Dry powder is effective but messy, foam is effective and easier to clean up, but shouldn’t be used on mains voltage fires.
CO2 leaves no residue and quickly puts out a fire, but if the ignition source is hot, it will probably reignite, so they are not practical in motorhomes.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. Double check any warranty is not affected before proceeding.
‘Make sure everyone in the ’van knows what to do if the worst happens. Have a plan for what to do if a fire breaks out’