Originally published 28 March 2022, updated 30 December 2024
As we return to the closest we have been to some sort of normality, holidays are back on the cards and many will be flocking to the many attractive holiday parks across the UK for short breaks which means fire safety in and around the holiday parks will be key.
According to government statistics, in England, ‘on average 360 fires per year occur in caravans’. Motorhomes and recreational vehicles carry multiple fire risks, including fires resulting from unattended cooking, overheating electronic and electrical appliances, open fires, faulty electrical wiring, candles and other open flames, flammable liquids, aerosols, barbeques and campfires.
Lithium-ion battery fire risks
The lithium-ion batteries found in laptops, tablets, mobile phones, children’s toys, electric scooters and e-bikes may also pose a specific fire risk in this environment, especially in peak summer when temperatures rise and these devices may get accidentally left in direct sunlight.
A Lithium-Ion battery which has been damaged or over-charged for example, will cause it to become hot and potentially start smoking or burst into flames.
Conventional fire extinguishers cannot effectively extinguish LiB fires. Only a specialist Lithium-ion fire extinguisher such as the Firechief Lith-Ex extinguisher is suitable for fully suppressing the fire.
Essential fire safety equipment for holiday parks
Quieter times of the year and the preparation period ahead of the peak holiday season are good times to review the risk assessments for fire safety equipment at holiday parks, ensuring it has all been serviced and is in full working order.
In line with BS 5306 standards in venues like holiday parks, fire safety equipment also needs to be protected from accidental damage, weather, vandalism etc. For all fire safety equipment stored outside it is important that they are kept in cabinets, boxes or covers to ensure they are safe and secure; while fire risks in garages and workshops should also be assessed as holiday parks tend to keep a lot of equipment in storage, especially over the winter months.
To revamp your existing setup or to get an idea of what fire safety products are available, view our full range of fire hose, reel and extinguisher cabinets here.
As well as fire extinguishers and hoses, fire safety signs are just as important - especially in a location such as a holiday park. Signs should include fire exit signs, escape routes, and indicators to show where specific fire safety equipment is located and also those signs that show where assembly points are located.
Government fire safety advice for holiday parks
The Government has also provided some safety tips for camping and caravanning:
- Ensure caravans and tents are at least 6 metres apart and away from parked cars, to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- Keep a torch handy for emergencies – never use lighted candles
- Make sure you know the campsite’s fire safety arrangements and check where the nearest telephone is
Safe use of gas cylinders
- Don’t use petrol or paraffin to light a solid fuel stove
- Keep flammable liquids (such as petrol and gas cylinders) outside and away from children
- Only change gas cylinders when they’re completely empty and store them away from caravans and vehicles
- Make sure the gas pipe connection is secure. If you suspect a leak, turn off the main cylinder valve
- Never smoke whilst changing your gas
What to do if there is a fire at a holiday park
- Keep calm and get everyone out as quickly as you can
- Call the fire and rescue service and give the exact location. Give a map reference if possible, or a landmark nearby such as a farm or pub
Top tips when staying in a tent
When staying in a tent it is important to never use candles in or near a tent – torches are much safer.
- Keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls as they could easily set alight
- Never cook inside a small tent
- Don’t cook near flammable materials or long grass, as they can set alight easily
- Make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there is a fire
- Ensure everyone knows how to put out clothing using – stop, drop and roll
- Do not smoke inside the tent
Top tips when staying in a caravan
- Fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan
- Make sure you take extra care when cooking – do not leave pans unattended
- Turn off all appliances before going to bed or leaving the caravan
- Make sure ashtrays are made of a material that cannot burn
- Don’t dry clothes over the stove
- Remove any litter/rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading
- Make sure the caravan is ventilated and never block any air vents – this is to avoid a build-up of poisonous gases
The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
Disclaimer
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.