Fire risks in tents and mobile homes are much higher than in the home because of gas canisters, naked flames, open fires and bbqs. Approximately 1,400 fires occur and 9 people are killed by fires in their caravan every year.

If you are a tent, campervan or caravan owner you should heed the following fire safety advice;

The most obvious cooking safety advice is not to cook whilst your caravan or campervan is moving.  Do not leave any pans on while you are out of your mobile home and ensure any cooking carried out in your caravan has adequate ventilation.  Ensure any clutter and packaging is kept away from the cooking area to prevent ignition.

Fit a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you and your family to any fire or gas leaks.

You should never lay your gas bottle on its side, even if it is empty.  Keep upright and do not store in or under your caravan.  

Change any gas canisters in the open air away from sources of ignition and ensure your caravan is ventilated at all times.  Only change your gas cylinder when it is fully empty and ensure the connection is secure, turn off at the main cylinder valve if you think there is a leak.   

If cooking on a barbeque, keep the barbeque away from caravans, awnings, tents, long grass and hedges.  Ensure the barbeque is fully cooled before disposing of ashes

When you are at a campsite, ensure you are aware of the sites fire safety procedures and the location of fire points and emergency meeting points.

A tent can be destroyed by fire in under 60 seconds. 

Do not use candles inside your tent, use a torch instead.

Do not cook inside your tent, as well as an obvious fire risk there is also a carbon monoxide risk.  Keep a fire extinguisher near the entrance to aid your safe exit and prevent a fire getting out of control.  If a fire does break out in your tent and you cannot escape, cut your way out. 

The caravan club recommends that caravan owners should carry a small foam fire extinguisher, fire blanket and smoke alarm in case a fire should break out.  A foam extinguisher is suitable for flammable solid and liquid fires.  The blanket and extinguisher should be fitted by the exit so can be used in or out of the caravan or motorhome.