Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: July 15, 2010
Contact: Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Gannie
Phone: (360) 596-3917
E-mail: melissa.gannie@wsp.wa.gov

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Fire Safety for Recreational Vehicles and Travel Trailers

Summer has finally arrived, school is out, and there are many families enjoying 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.  In Washington State between 2005 and 2009, there were over 1,100 fire incidents reported that involved RVs and travel trailers resulting in 17 fire deaths and more than $6.5 million in dollar loss.

The following fire safety tips are designed to help keep campers safe:

Install and maintain fire safety equipment

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

Create and practice an evacuation plan

• Develop and 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 memories for your family and friends by camping, 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.

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