FIRE RISK:  OUT OF SIGHT - OUT OF MIND

“Most of us just never think about it but a fire in a caravan or RV is typically fatal”.  That’s the grim experience of a leading expert in fire safety and protection, who says caravan and RV owners are at higher risk of being killed in a fire.   In a special Fire Safety report, we look at what can go wrong and provide life-saving advice so you can sleep easy and make sure you have a great trip.

Rebecca Fullerton leads the Technical Training Team Nationally for Chubb Fire & Safety.  Her team teaches workplaces and communitites how to use modern technology to fight fires and help save lives.  ”.  

Cooking with gas

The most common cause of fires in campsites is cooking equipment.  It is very important that hoses and connections are kept clean on things like portable barbeques but many people don’t bother, so gas lines get clogged.  Hoses wear out eventually or start to warp and joints get leaky.  When gas escapes and finds a naked flame, things get dangerous. 
If you get a flame from fittings or the hose, turn off the gas as fast as possible and then put out any flames left with a powder type extinguisher.  If the flame is coming out of the cylinder itself, put the flames out with a powder type extinguisher and then turn off the gas.  Be careful of the cylinder being very hot – use a cloth or rag when you turn the gas knob. If you don’t have an extinguisher, cool the cylinder with a garden hose. Remember, ALWAYS make sure that the Fire Brigade is called – dial “000”.
For heaven’s sake – DO NOT toss the flaming cylinder away because this will probably cause the fire to get bigger which could lead to you getting burnt!  Fire causes panic but it is important to keep a cool head when things get hot.

Caravan  and RV Fires

According to Rebecca, even a brick home can be gutted by fire within 10 minutes.  But a caravan can be destroyed even faster.  It does not leave much time for escape, especially if you are sound asleep at the time.  In fact, temperatures in a fire can reach a massive 600°C or more in a matter of minutes. You need a smoke alarm, a fire blanket and a powder-based fire extinguisher.  Above all, you need an escape plan.  Fire brigades have useful information on their websites and pamphlets, so it makes good sense to have one.  Without terrifying them, involve the kids in your fire plan and make sure they are confident and know what to do if there is a fire.

Car Fires

Engine fires in your car can be very scary.  A common mistake when people see smoke coming from the engine is to fling open the bonnet.  This feeds the fire with oxygen and turns an engine fire into a BIG engine fire.  You need a powder-based fire extinguisher.  Leave the bonnet totally shut.  Point the extinguisher through the radiator grid above the number plate.  If your car does not have one, then shoot the flames from under the front of the car, below the number plate.  Uncouple the caravan if you are towing for extra safety.  If it is a very serious fire in an advanced state, stay well clear of the car and call the fire brigade.
There’s a new gadget that makes dealing with an engine fire in a car or boat that much easier and safer.  Chubb has a new product range, StatX.  It is mounted inside the engine.  When it detects flames at 70°C, 95°C or 123°C it automatically releases a powerful gas that puts out the fire without you having to go near it.  StatX is available from Chubb branches with prices starting from $335.

Lost in the bush

Most of us look forward to exploring the great outdoors, fishing, bushwalking and so on.  But as we know, people get lost or injured in the bush and rescue teams can spend days searching for them.  Chubb has developed a neat little device to help summon help.  A tiny panic alarm, smaller than a mobile phone, gives off an ear-splitting siren that lasts for hours.  Bushwalkers can switch on the alarm, which can be heard over a huge distance to help guide a search party.  Remember, it is vital that somebody else knows where you are going when you go bushwalking and when you are due back.   A personal Panic Alarm is also a handy thing to have when you are walking the city streets at night.  They cost $9.95.

Be Prepared

How do we make sure we are safe and can handle dangerous situations?  The basic kit starts with a smoke alarm.  In most states and territories, the law requires all houses to have a smoke alarm on every level.  But this is often overlooked in caravans and RVs.  Check that the alarm is in good working order before every trip and have a spare battery on hand. They cost $9.95.
A fire extinguisher is a must-have on any trip.  A 1kg powder extinguisher can cope with anything you would have to deal with.  It is nice and compact but kicks out a massive fire-killing jet that flattens flames fast when used correctly.  It can be wall-mounted in caravans or RVs and mounted under the front seat of the car.  Extinguishers should be pressure-checked every 5 years at either the fire brigade or at a Chubb service centre.  Check their websites to find the closest centre.  Once you have used an extinguisher, it is time to replace it.  If you do not use your powder extinguisher for years and years, the powder gets compacted.  Turn the unit upside down.  You should be able to hear the powder trickling through.  If you cannot, tap on the cylinder with a rubber mallet to loosen the powder.  Keep it up until you can hear the powder moving in the extinguisher.  Shaking the extinguisher is not good enough.  Most hardware stores sell 1kg extinguishers for less than $29.95.

A fire blanket is used to contain a fire, for example a fat fire on a domestic stove top when used correctly. Drape the fire blanket over the flame (as per the instructions), once the blanket is put in place, do not remove, turn of the cook top and call “000” for further advice or assistance.  These are ideal for the use on stoves in the caravan or RV. 

It is always sensible to have a first aid kit and yet this is often forgotten.  Chubb’s consumer division Quell has a specially-designed camping/4WD first aid kit for $89.95 which is sold in major retailers Australia-wide.
Rebecca Fullerton recommends equipping yourself with dependable gear and discussing safety with companions to make sure you have a plan to deal with emergencies.  “Chances are you may never need it.  But if you do find yourself in trouble with fire or an injury, it will be too late to say, ‘I wish I had been prepared’”.

Fire Safety Tips
1. Safety kit: smoke detector, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, first aid kit
2. Have an emergency plan, available from the fire brigade
3. Check hoses and connections on gas-powered appliances
4. Check smoke alarm and extinguishers regularly
5. Don’t be a hero.  Call the fire brigade for really serious fires