State Fire Marshal Offers Fire Safety Tips for Rec Vehicles and Travel Trailers

Editor's Note: The following is a press release issued by the office of the Washington State Fire Marshal.

The sun has finally arrived, school is almost out, and there are many families starting to enjoy the outdoors on camping trips.  “Campers are reminded that fire safety needs to be a priority when vacationing in a recreational vehicle (RV) or travel trailer,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy.  The following fire safety tips are designed to help keep campers safe:

Install & maintain fire safety equipment

• Install & maintain a smoke alarm & a carbon monoxide detector which are listed for use in a RV.  Test alarm/detector regularly and replace batteries at least once a year or as needed.
• Install & maintain a fire extinguisher near exits (10 B:C for RV & 5 B:C for travel trailers).

Create & practice an evacuation plan

• Develop & practice an evacuation plan that identifies every exit.
• Ensure every occupant is familiar with the operation of all latches of doors and windows.

Cooking appliances should not be used in place of heating equipment

• Only use cooking applications for heating food.  Avoid using cooking appliances for heating.
• When using cooking appliances, properly ventilate the space by opening a window, using overhead vents, or an exhaust fan.

Maintain clearance from heat sources
Keep combustibles such as cushions, bedding, clothing, and paper away from heat sources.  Space is limited in RVs and travel trailers, so take extra time to ensure clearance is maintained.

“When creating camping memories, don’t forget to be fire safe,” adds State Fire Marshal Duffy.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.