Around the time Tony posted Firedude’s RV Fire Safety, I was also working on an article, “Are You Fire-Safe on the Road?“. I interviewed Mac McCoy, better known as Mac the Fire Guy, as well as got an idea or two from Tony.
RV fire in a campground
As I wrote in the article, once George and I could not open the door to the 5th wheel. We have two windows that open as emergency exits. The one in the bedroom is a LONG drop to the ground. The one at the other end, behind our love seat recliner, is still a long drop but not so far. I first started out headfirst but realized I’d land on my arms and head- not a good plan. Trying to maneuver myself out with the love seat moving and not wanting to scrape myself to pieces on the metal frame took time – even with George’s help – but I finally got out with just a scrape on my arm. I wondered if George could have fit. Fortunately there was no fire. A fire is not the time to be wondering where the escape route is, how to open it, and how you’ll get out.
Ladies, do you know how to get out of your rig on your own? Do you know how to operate your fire extinguisher and which types of fire(s) it should be used on? Do you ever clean your detectors? Inspect your extinguishers? Do you have a plan for getting out? Unless you can answer all these questions “Yes,” you are not prepared.
Another thing my editor added is, “Do you know your location when parked and driving?” They had a fire and Megan wasn’t sure of the location. Mark was busy fighting the fire. Be aware of your location even if you aren’t driving – just in case.
Andy, a solo woman, sent me the story of her RV fire after publication. The cause appeared to be a malfunction on the stove. The plastic knob was off but the brass fitting was still on low, releasing propane. In spite of quick thinking and help on the part of her neighbors in the RV park, she lost everything. You can read her story and advice here.
From 2002 to 2005 – the latest statistics – there were on average 3,100 RV fires each year. These fires caused 7 deaths, 62 injuries and approximately $41 million in damages in each of those years. An RV fire is not something to mess around with. The first step is to be prepared. Have a plan, make sure you having propane, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors properly located and operating properly, then know what kinds of fire extinguishers you have and where they are located plus how to use them.
Just like you should know how to hook up and unhook and drive your RV, you should also be prepared for an RV fire and not leave that up to your partner. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
Typical extinguisher found in the RV kitchen area