By Barry Zander, Edited by Monique Zander, the Never-Bored RVers
Truck Driver Jeff Lincoln took this photo of the RV that started the fire near Yosemite last week. He said it began in the rig. The 70-year-old driver escaped injury. Used with permission of Jeff Lincoln
The ton of comments about fire extinguishers lit a fire under me. In my blog posted last Friday, I touched on the need to pay attention to fire extinguishers on board our rigs. I didn’t realize there was so much I didn’t know –AND SHOULD KNOW. After all, it’s our happy lives that we risk when we aren’t ready for an RV (or home) fire.
“Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape.” That’s a paragraph from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), one of the websites I consulted for answers to your questions and thoughts about fire extinguishers. It continues, “Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.”
I remember checking into the Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta almost 30 years ago and taking the elevator up to the 46th Floor. As soon as the door opened, I saw a little tent card that said, “In case of fire…” That was the last thing wanted to think about 500 feet above Atlanta’s sweltering pavement.
What about our RV escape plan? It’s a five-word plan that states: “Get the heck out fast.” We have two exterior doors in our Bigfoot, so I imagine that Part 2 would be, “Exit nearest door.” If you don’t have two doors, you have an escape window in your rig, in all probability. Do you know how to open it? Have you practiced unlatching that window?
I’m making light of a serious subject to keep your interest, but you know that being prepared for an RV or home fire is not something to joke about. There is no emergency more obvious that you should and can prepare for than fire.
Time out! Here are a few comments attached to my most recent blog about an RV fire that ultimately set off a wildfire.
“Great point about the fire extinguisher. Carry one in your car, have one in your kitchen and garage and know how to use it. Also get them inspected once a year when you change detector batteries.” – Walt Moore
“Got a few ideas, based on my RV life…first, you should have two or three fire extinguishers in the motorhome, and one in the towed dinghy… same idea if your RV is a towable. Next, whether you’re towing or self-propelled, pulling off the road in ANY kind of vehicle presents a hot exhaust or catalytic converter to dry grass and roadside debris. Third, get yourself an escape plan and rehearse it twice a year at least…prepare to leave everything behind, and get out or away from the RV… remember that your propane is likely to blow if the rig is on fire….get away from the rig, and don’t let anyone else close to it except professional responders.” – A.W. Walker
“Still consider myself a newbie. Have to admit not sure how to use fire extinguisher or where to take it to have it inspected. Help!” – David
“I will again repeat David’s question. After you discharge your fire extinguisher or need it inspected, where do you take it? Also, if you spend $20-$30 for one, does it cost more to get it refilled than to replace it?” – Liz Bard
“…I take mine down to our local fire depot for annual check. No charge for check – part of benefits of a tax-paying citizen! One of the few perks we get!!” – Manual Enos
“When you use an extinguisher it needs to be serviced after you use it, even if you only spray a little out as the pressure will leak out by the time you would use the extinguisher again.” – Ray Hoffman
“In addition to some of the other good suggestions: If you ever have the opportunity to sit in on a session with “Mac the Fire Guy,” do it. No one will prepare you better for fire safety in your RV. He travels around the country making appearances at a rally or a Life on Wheels type conference. If you see him listed on the syllabus of classes, GO! You won’t regret it, and it may well save your life someday.” – Lee Ensminger
“… Behind the fridge and the engine compartment are two areas of concern that will cause one to lose an RV to fire. Neither area is visible, and neither can be easily accessed. The little ABC units are useless in both these locations.” — Jimmy Leggett
“Buy a cheap extinguisher and build a small fire, either in a campsite or somewhere were it would be no danger of starting something else on fire. Then put it out. Most people are not prepared for the whoosh of the powder coming out and don’t know where to spray (at the base of the fire). I once saw a class put on by the fire dept. at a local nursing home. The nurse pulled the trigger, wet her pants and dropped the extinguisher. Not much help there… Usually it’s cheaper to buy new than have a discharged one serviced. Unless it is a very large one.” – Tommy Becher
“We lost a motor home to a fire that started behind the fridge. Our first clue that we had a fire was when we saw flames shooting thru a hole in the roof. It was a defect in the fridge. A connection in the gas line failed, turning the gas into a blowtorch. There was a recall on the fridge, but we didn’t receive any notice even though we registered everything. Keep an eye on recalls, and I second the suggestion about always having critical work done by professionals.” – Lois Haupt
“Thanx, for a really IMPORTANT blog!!! Someone who had a tire fire on a fifth wheel said their little extinguisher that came with their trailer didn’t put out the fire, but a trucker with a larger one did!!! They suggested DO NOT DEPEND ON THE ONE THAT CAME AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT!!! Get a BIG one !!!! Mac McCoy (THE FIRE GUY) has a different type of extinguisher that PUTS OUT A FIRE QUICKER THAN THE SODA ONE!!! I’ve never seen a fire extinguished so fast!!! Mac knows fires! He’s also a very neat and funny guy and has a million stories…” – Butterbean Carpenter
Back to my thoughts: I couldn’t include all the comments or all the text in each message, but I’m sure you found these interesting. I know I did!
I did my homework after reading these. I checked the websites of a few fire extinguisher manufacturers, finding the most helpful in the FAQ of the FirstAlert company. http://www.firstalert.com/faqs/fire-extinguisher
Here is a sample of the info I found:
If you use your non-rechargeable fire extinguisher even once, you must replace it. It will not be effective in fighting a fire. Never test a fire extinguisher by using it. Once used, it will gradually lose pressure
Once used, the only place for a fire extinguisher is in the trash
and will not be fully charged for use in an emergency. If a fire extinguisher pressure gauge shows that the charge is in the red zone, a disposable fire extinguisher should be replaced.
NOTE: Learning that you can’t use a non-rechargeable extinguisher a second time was a wake-up call for me.
I don’t know how many of us have rechargeable extinguishers. If you do, you can have it recharged by a professional, and a certified equipment dealer should check it once a year.
A fire extinguisher life expectancy depends on a number of factors. Remember, a fire extinguisher should be checked weekly according to the user’s manual. As long as the pointer is in the green area or the pin indicator pops back up when pushed, the extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready to use.
In the green and ready to save lives
Do not test a fire extinguisher by discharging it at all. The recommended way to test fire extinguishers with the pressure pin on top is to press in the pin. If it pops back up, your extinguisher is still pressurized. On models with a pressure gauge, if the needle is in the green, the unit is pressurized.
As for how to use the fire extinguisher, instructions are probably on the unit itself. I think Manual Enos’ comment above about going to the local fire station sounds like a good idea for more information, and, of course, attending a seminar would increase your readiness to respond in case of emergency.
A personal note — I once made a rope ladder for my granddaughter to escape from her second-story bedroom in case of emergency. Her mother and dad didn’t like the idea of putting a hook into the woodwork, but the ladder was still in her room last time I looked.
Thanks for all the notes. It’s good to know you’re paying attention when the subject gets serious.
From the “Never-Bored RVers,” We’ll see you on down the road.
© All photos by Barry Zander except as noted. All rights reserved
Pingback: kennedy physical education
Pingback: viagra
Pingback: The Unemployed Mom
Pingback: Mystical
Pingback: my homepage
catchesthewind
Just had a thought I would like to throw out for comment. During WWII aircraft carriers used carbon doxide to fight fires cause it displaces oxygen. Thinking about the probability of carbon dioxide cylinders to fight fires. Comments solicited
catchesthewind
There is an alternative to throwing away a used fire extinguisher. After use you can remove the valve and recycle the cylinder where practicable.
Rondeau
On the fire extinguisher comments: If you ever use a fire extinguisher, use it all on the fire. Do not hold back any of it since once a fire extinguisher is used, any amount of pressure inside will eventually leak out anyway. And, any amount of contents may not be enough to knock down the fire again if the fire should re-ignite. Make sure it is out by using all of the contents of the extinguisher on the fire the first time you knock it down.
Mathew Hall
I really do feel for the RV owner. Not only did his rig go up in flames, it started a forest fire to boot. Ouch.
Geoffrey Pruett
The only time I have ever used an extingisher on my unit was in 1966 in an early generation over the frame camper setup. The propane tanks were installed on their sides bolted down as each had a different output pipe so the output was in the vapor, not liquid, propane. Had the tanks filled at a small town station and the attendent had been told only to fill them out of the vehicle so he ended up removing and filling both tanks. Went down the coast road and on a remote area with no water around while riding in the back smelled something warm. Looked in the small mirror used when lighting the fridge and instead of a blurry blue dot saw a large orange ball of flame. Called for a halt and grabbed the ABC ext and filled the back of the unit with soda dust. Left a small burn mark below the fridge and took at least four sessions with the vacuum to clean up the mess. The cause was easy to figure out, one of the tanks was installed with the outlet pipe in the liquid propane. We sent a letter to the national owners of the station chain and never heard back. Have never traveled without a charged extingisher since then as the vehicle load was my mother, father, two sons & myself. Without that charged extingisher the best possible outcome would have been five people standing in the rain next to a charred lump and a long and messy legal fight, the kind no one really wins.
Manuel Enos
Great f/u article even though you spelled Manuel wrong…Articles like this are informative and jogs our memories…Thanks.
DAVID PUSEY
This is a subject that is often not spoken about. Thanks for bringing the info back up. I have a 40 foot rig and the fire extinguisher that was installed was smaller than I expected. It will put out a fire on the stove top but not a engine fire. It is important to remember that these rigs are not small and a fire will go from one end to the other in a matter of seconds. ALWAYS have several extinguishers to choose from. one inside the rig, a LARGE one outside in the compartments and a small one in the dingy. Another issue that needs to be touched on is the RV parks emergency fire hoses,and emergency response procedures. Just think about this possible emergency. ( I hope that this does not happen to you) RV spots are very close and what happens if one RV is on fire. Most likely the fire will spread to the rigs next to you on each side. WHERE ARE THE FIRE HOSES????? Please RV”s of all kinds PLEASE DON’T USE THE GRILL THAT HOOKS TO THE SIDE OF THE CAMPER. You are asking for a bad camping trip.
Stay safe and use your head. Talk to your RV parks about there fire hoses and emergency response procedures!!!!
William Fincher
Great imformation on fire safety.Being a regular non professional r.v. guy,
I have heard numerous times to be aware of ammonia leaking from the refrigerator.
This would be noticable in the outside compartment where the coils are.
Any leaking ammonia can be seen as a strange liquid around the coils,as well
as a foul odor.
If you notice any of these factors have the unit looked at sooner than later.
Be safe,happy trails.
butterbean carpenter
GREAT FOLLOW UP ARTICLE!!!!!!
catchesthewind
Chuck, The dry chemical extinguishers are under pressurized powder. It will compact over time. Remedy–Periodically take the extinguisher, turn it upside down and using a rubber mallet gently tap on the bottom.
Also-if you carry one extinguisher carry three. Comes a fire the first does nothing, the second beats the fire down to the point where you wish you had the third.
This observation I picked up from years of fighting boat fires. Boats are rvs the float.
Happy traveling.
Wayne B
I have over 40 years experience in firefighting and extinguishers. Pertaining to Portable Fire Extinguishers, it is the movement of the RV that accelerates the compaction of the powder. Each should be tilted up and down several times at least weekly until you feel the powder moving inside. An even better idea is to purchase a clean agent cylinder and do away with the powder entirely. These clean agents are non-residual and non conductive. Halatron is only one example of a clean agent. Just be sure it is UL and Coast Guard approved and you will be in good shape. A bit more expensive but worth the price. I personally carry a Halon1301 cylinder. And, to those who may think Halon is now illegal, it is not. It just very expensive and has restrictions on manufacture of the agent.
Jim G
To Chuck;
I am not a professional fire fighter, but as long as the extinguisher is left unused and shows a full charge it should work fine. The movement of the RV might actually help to keep the powder from becoming stuck, although it is HIGHLY unlikely if the extinguisher is left stationary. Any good UL approved extinguisher (ABC) should do the job, but always remember, escape vs. trying to fight a fire which can quickly get out of control. Extinguishers should ONLY be used to help effect a quick escape, if the fire is between you and the only exit option. Other than that, GET OUT ASAP.
Jim G
I carry 1 multipurpose (ABC) inside the driver side compartment door, another at the rear of the dinette and the standard one which is near the steps. Since we all use grilles and light campfires I also store one inside the compartment where I keep the grille, which is always handy during evening meals, etc. Finally, I bought a small disposable type and keep it above the kitchen sink, near the stove. There is no such thing as being overly prepared when it comes to fire protection. Of course, do not forget our homes, the ones that dont move on wheels. I have a fairly large ranch and keep about a half dozen located in closets and in and around areas where they are easily accessible, never more than 15 feet from 1 to another. It is best to use the multipurpose (ABC) type, that way you dont use the wrong type of extinguishing agent, such as in the event of an electrical or grease fire.
And you point out never partially discharge an extinguisher and expect it to be ready when needed. Get it replaced or where appropriate recharged by a professional. Lastly, do a monthly quick visual check, look to make sure it is holding charge and is sealed. Better safe than the alternative.
Alan Wolfe
Great set of articles! Thanks for bringing this message forward Barry. We are getting ready for our upcoming trip to California and we’ll definitely follow this advice.
Sam
oups, sorry, I was answering the question of WIFI and not the “wake up call”
Wake up call is a good “call” Thanks
Sam
Ha ha, sorry, but humor is needed here.
Canada is BIG and has few inhabitants, Just BC has not quite 950’000 sq miles, is just 1 state, but the north is even more “empty”.
Take Yukon, which is 200’000 sq Miles, that is 3 times the size of Florida, and it has a whopping 30’000 inhabitants, 2/3 of which live in White Horse the capital, so 10’000 for the rest of the state.
The Alaska highway goes through Whitehorse and there is plenty of people there. They will fix your RV and all, no problem if required. Just a question of re-adjusting one’s attitude ! this is not San Diego !
It does not make economic sense to have wifi out of towns, let alone telephone ( wired or mobile), and even the radio goes quiet in some places.
But dont be frightened, the roads are well maintained, and there is traffic. not traffic like in LA, but traffic all right. Even if you have 20 vehicles a day, that is more than 2 per hour, so every 30 minutes you have someone in case of trouble. 30 minutes is not long !!
Most RV parks have WIFI, so you can catch up on the indispensable email, but enjoy the wonderful wilderness. Dont count too much on your mobile phone though, it is patchy at best, unless in big towns. In the end it is “nice” not to be connected, try the experience !!
charles cox
very good information, but one area I haven’t seen comments about is that I’ve heard that the powder in the fire extinguisher will become compacted over time (esp in the jostling of the rv) and become ineffective.
Is this true and what to do about that?
Thanks Chuck
Lee Ensminger
Barry, nice follow-up article on RV fires. Again, I encourage you and all of your readers to attend any seminar by Mac “The Fire Guy” McCoy. The equipment he offers is first-rate and inexpensive, especially compared to your expensive RV or more importantly, your life. Besides, he never pressures you to buy from him; he tells you what you need, and if you wisely follow his advice, he makes it convenient. But his main mission is to make you aware of how quickly a small fire can become out of control and progress to all-consuming in almost no time at all. Here is the URL of a website I found for him:
http://www.macthefireguy.com/Home-old.htm
There are some horrific pictures posted there of fires which rapidly got out of control. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you or your family!
Thomas Brunswick
I’m planning an RV trip to Alaska and would like to ask the veterans to advise me on the most effective wifii, and the most effective communication system to use while on the road (outside of RV parks).