Washington, the “Evergreen State,” is a popular destination for out-of-staters, and home to lots of RV enthusiasts. That may explain a rather worrisome statistic. The State Fire Marshal’s office notes that in 2022, some 15 people died in RV fires. The agency wants that number down so it has provided these tips to keep an RV fire-safe.
Fire marshal’s 9 tips on RV fire safety
- Install and maintain working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
2. Install a fire extinguisher, know how to use it, and conduct a monthly inspection.
3. Keep doorways and walkways clear.
4. Keep space heaters three feet away from combustibles. Ensure the space heater unit has tip protection features.
5. Practice an escape plan.
6. Make sure to use electrical outlets properly, and do not overload the circuitry.
7. Watch what you cook, and turn burners and ovens off when finished.
8. Inspect your RV before heading down the roadway.
9. Check your propane tank regularly including checking for leaks.
These tips on fire safety are just the beginning. We’ll provide more tips, and go into detail on some of them in future editions of RVtravel.com.
We earlier polled readers about their own experiences with RV fires. You might like to see the results, and if you haven’t taken the poll yourself, please do so.
For more information on RV fires, click here.
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Also, don’t try cooking meth in an RV. Quite a few of those fires occurred among “urban campers” in their ramshackle RV’s.
Stu, is there a certifiable statistic showing that ??
Hi, Bill. Here’s some information from the U.S. Fire Administration showing stats for RV fires from 2018-2020. In the chart for RV fire cause, I would suspect that some of the 36.2% “Unintentional” causes would include meth mishaps.🫤 I’d bet it’s a small percentage, however. I don’t have time to look for anything more recent, but I imagine that these numbers are pretty close to more recent stats. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Diane! 🙂
Yes, thanks again Diane !
You’re welcome, Bill and Neal. When you (or anyone) ask(s) questions like this, it makes me curious, as well. I enjoy trying to track down the answers, because I love to learn new things every day. (Whatever did we do before computers and Google?🤔 Yeah, a trip to the library and look it up or ask a very helpful librarian.👍) Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Your efforts never go unnoticed and are always very much appreciated, thank you again !
Awww. Thanks so much, Bill.😊 Take care.🤗 –Diane
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Great advice from an informed source! 😉 Fifteen seems a large number of RV fire fatalities. I can see why they wamt to lower the number. Thanks again and SAFE travels! 🙂
The fire extinguisher typically supplied by RV manufacturers is better than none, but woefully inadequate–it’ll give you about 5 seconds and a weak stream. Replace it with a 5Lb. ABC, available at big box stores, if you want a respectable amount of fire fighting ability.