A fire can start in an RV at anytime; whether its traveling down the highway or simply parked somewhere. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that since 2018 there have been over 2000 RV fires each year resulting in 15 fatalities and 165 injuries per year. However the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 20,000 RV fires occur annually. That is a big disparity in reporting but lets not get hung up on that, rather just concentrate on the fact that they do happen and not to be one of them! The scariest part of any RV fire is how quickly it spreads.

Of the fires reported to FEMA, 85% were not self propelled units (motor homes). This may be explained by the sheer difference in numbers between towable vs. self propelled units. There are about ten times more towable units sold than motor homes. What are some of the things that can cause these fires?

When Traveling:

While Traveling mechanical and electrical issues make up 75% of RV fires:

Brakes that are not adjusted properly or wheel bearings that overheat because they have not been maintained. These fires start at the wheel well while traveling. Infrared heat guns are a very easy way to measure your wheel heat during refueling or rest stops. Also, many Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems measure tire heat as well as tire pressure.

Wires that short out while traveling – always inspect your wiring before any trip.

Obviously it is safest to drive with your propane tanks turned off. Most LP refrigerators will stay cold for hours while off. Now with more and more 12 volt refrigerators being installed in RV’s, this is less of an issue but the majority of RV’s are still using LP.

While you are camping:

Never leave appliances, lights, fans, fireplaces, etc., running while unattended.

If you are leaving pets behind when you are camping I highly recommend the MarCELL temperature monitor. Having the cellular device alerts you if there is a power outage. It also alerts you if a temperature situation occurs above or below the parameters that you set. I primarily bring this up because a power outage can also be lethal to a pet in an RV. In the summer a power outage in an RV is similar to leaving your pet in a car with the windows rolled up.

Invest in an Electrical Management System (EMS) like those manufactured by Progressive Industries. Surge protection will protect your trailer in the event of an unexpected electrical surge or lightening strike nearby. Our MarCELL unit has protected our trailer more than once.

Do not overload any circuit. Many people plug portable heaters into power-strips and they are not rated for that type of current draw, causing the wires to melt. Always plug directly into an outlet and remember not to overload the capacity because more than likely, there are other items running on that same circuit.

Make sure your CO2 detector, propane leak alarm, and all smoke detectors work. They will save your life.

Don’t store anything flammable near your cooking surfaces.

Buy at least one extra fire extinguisher. The small ones that come with your travel trailer are probably woefully undersized. Having one in each room is a safe practice.

Understand how your emergency exit windows operate and how to get out in a hurry. It is probably a good idea to conduct a drill to see how quickly you can open these windows.

Have an exit plan for each area of the Travel Trailer. These fires spread quickly, there is no time to come up with a plan once the fire starts.

Know your exact location so you can give this info to the emergency dispatcher in the event of a fire.

During the year:

Stay up to date on any recalls. For example, in the last few years there have been recalls on Propane Regulators, Wiring, Refrigerator wire shorts, and fires behind Convection Microwaves. These are not recalls to ignore.

Maintain your mechanical items like brakes and wheel bearings. Also do the preventative maintenance on your AC Units, Furnace, Water Heater, and Refrigerator. If something doesn’t seem like it is running correctly get it checked out and repaired.

In the event of a fire:

If it is a small fire that you can easily extinguish without placing yourself in danger, then use your fire extinguisher. For any other situation, immediately leave the RV. Once you have exited, do not re-enter.

Call 911 and give them your exact location. If other RVs are close to you alert them so they can evacuate as well.

In conclusion: This isn’t a pleasant topic and not one I write to instill any fear, just precaution. Your odds of a fire are small, and even smaller yet if you keep the above in mind.