Did you know that a fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds!?
Fires in tents spread very quickly. Get everyone out straight away. Call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service and give the exact location of your campsite using What3Words or even give a map reference if possible. Otherwise, a landmark such as a farm or pub will help the Fire and Rescue Service locate you.
Follow this advice for a safe caravan or camping holiday:
ALWAYS
- Always ensure caravans and tents are at least six metres apart and away from parked cars, to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Always keep a torch handy for emergencies – never use lighted candles.
- Always make sure you know the campsite’s fire safety arrangements and check where the nearest telephone is.
- Always keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls as they could easily set alight.
- Always make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there is a fire.
Staying in a tent
NEVER
- Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent
- Never cook inside a small tent.
- Never cook near flammable materials or long grass.
- Never smoke inside your tent.
- Never use candles in or near a tent - torches are much safer
CONSIDER
- Finding out what the firefighting arrangements on the campsite are and if you do not have a mobile, find out where the nearest telephone is
REMEMBER
- Make sure everyone knows what to do if their clothes catch fire - stop, drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames
Staying in a caravan
ALWAYS
- Always fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan – optical smoke alarms are usually most effective.
- Always take special care when cooking – don’t leave pans unattended.
- Always turn off all appliances before you go out or go to bed.
- Always use ashtrays made of a material that can’t burn – and never smoke in bed
- Always remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Always make sure the caravan is ventilated and never block air vents, This avoids the buildup of poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide.
- Always make sure you have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm in your caravan.
NEVER
- Never dry clothes over the stove.
- Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent
Consider keeping a fire extinguisher by the entrance, but always read the instructions before using it.
Using gas cylinders
ALWAYS
- Always keep flammable liquids (such as petrol and gas cylinders) outside and away from children.
- Always double check the gas pipe connection is secure. If you suspect a leak, turn off the main cylinder valve. Open all doors and windows, do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches until given all clear
- Always make sure your camping light and stove are clean and properly adjusted.
- Always make sure exhaust gases from generators are properly vented away from occupied areas.
NEVER
- Never use petrol or paraffin to light a solid fuel stove
- Never take a portable barbecue – or lit charcoal – into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.
REMEMBER
- Remember only change gas cylinders when they’re completely empty and store them away from caravans and vehicles.
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