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RV-Fire-SafetyThere is no shortage of news stories about different parts of the U.S. and Canada experiencing devastating losses due to various weather conditions. Now that summer is here, the weather becomes ripe for wildfires and forest fires. According to the NIFC (National Interagency Fire Center) on average, there are more than 106,000 wildfire forest fires each year in the U.S. An equally staggering number is there are as many as 20,000 RV fires reported each year. These numbers reflect how important fire safety and fire prevention are to the RV lifestyle.

Here are the most common causes of fires in an RV:

  • Transmission fluid leaking
  • 12-volt electrical system/short circuit
  • Fuel leak
  • Open propane flames/unattended stove
  • An unnoticed flat on a towed vehicle
  • Spontaneous combustion from damp charcoal
  • Birds or critters in your flue
  • Batteries
  • Hot exhaust pipe

What you need to know about fire extinguishers

RV Fire Safety - What You Need To Know About Fire ExtinguishersIf you can’t put the fire out in the first 30 seconds, leave it to the fire department. All RVs and towed vehicles should be equipped with fire extinguishers. Most people don’t realize there are four classes of fire extinguishers: A, B, C, and D, and each one is for a specific type of fire. The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) requires that you keep one with a minimum rating of 5BC at each exit. For even more protection, go with the ABC type, which can be used to put out all different types of fires. Check your extinguishers regularly to make sure they are operational. (Just because the needle shows in the green dot does not necessarily mean it’s working.) Make sure you and everyone else traveling in the RV knows how to operate fire extinguishers. You can print the helpful acronym “PASS” (listed below) and put next to your extinguishers as a reminder.
Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher to release a locking mechanism.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames.
Squeeze the lever slowly to release the agent in the extinguisher.
Sweep from side to side, moving the fire extinguisher back and forth along the base until the fire is out.

Make a plan and prevent checklist

  • Smoke detectors are required. Get a UL217 to be in code with NFPA mandates.
  • Check all hoses, wires and connections before every trip and during a monthly fire check.
  • Eyeball your tires at each stop when you’re on a road trip.
  • Make sure everyone knows what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.
  • Educate your passengers on using a fire extinguisher.
  • Make sure your travelers know how to actually use the exits; not all doors open the same.
  • Review “stop, drop and roll” technique with passengers.

Forest/Campground Fires

RV Fire Safety - Forest and Campground FiresEveryone plays a part in helping to either preserve or destroy the beautiful nature around us. Campfires can pose a serious threat if not handled responsibly. Check with the park ranger at the campground and observe any warning signs posted regarding fire danger. Remember the rules that Smokey the Bear taught us:
  • Use the designated fire ring or picnic grill.
  • If there is no fire ring or grill available, clear a three-foot area around the fire down to the soil.
  • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
  • Use only dead wood lying on the ground. Do not cut live trees or branches from trees near the campsite.
  • Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
  • After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
  • Be careful with cigarettes. Dropped cigarettes, like matches, are major causes of fires.
  • NEVER leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.
  • Douse the campfire with water and stir the ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Remember, knowledge is power and prevention is your best friend. A minor fire may put a damper on your travel plans, but at worst; it can cost you a lot of money, damage, and possibly a life. Do your part to keep you, your passengers, and other RVers safe.
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