Fire safety, preparation important in an RV

MOSES LAKE — Among many other things, summer is a good opportunity for a road trip – or road trips – in the trailer, maybe out in the woods or to the beach, maybe a multi-state adventure, maybe setting up camp at a family event. Unfortunately, fire does not respect road trips, and in some ways, trailers or recreational vehicles present different hazards than a house does. 

Sometimes people start thinking of a trailer or RV as equivalent to a house, and they’re not the same. Tim Babak, captain with Grant County Fire District 7, said in his experience that habits that wouldn’t cause a problem in a house can cause trouble when the living space is on four wheels. 

A house, after all, is stationary and a trailer is not.  

“Things move around,” he said, citing the example of heating units near a bed or furniture.  

Even in summer, it can get chilly up there in the hills or along the beach, and sometimes that heater gets put into use. Blankets or other materials get jostled and may end up partially or fully covering a heating vent, which could be trouble if it’s not noticed, he said.  

Most recently manufactured trailers and RVs come with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but just like the ones at home, they are powered by batteries that need periodic replacement, he said. The Washington Fire Marshal’s Office said in a press release that owners of old RVs should install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they’re working. 

“Open flame in general” is not advisable in a trailer or RV, Babak said.  

People should have fully charged fire extinguishers on board, at least one near the exit and one within reach of cooktops or heaters, according to the fire marshal’s office. They should be rated for RVs.  

The fire marshal’s office said fire agencies reported 453 fires involving RVS, campers and trailers statewide in 2024, resulting in seven deaths. Fires caused more than $6 million in property damage.  

“These mobile homes present unique fire risks due to compact living spaces, onboard fuel systems and limited exits,” the press release said. 

People should make sure they have a way out if a fire does start, with two exit options. Everyone who’s going to be on the trip should know the escape plan and practice it, the press release said. 

Babak said it’s important to be familiar with cooking and heating systems and know how to shut them off. Electrical and propane systems should be checked for leaks or damage before taking to the road, the fire marshal’s office said. It’s also important to make sure there’s a first aid kit and that it’s fully stocked.  

“It’s a good idea to let somebody know where you’re going and when you plan to come back,” Babak said, especially when heading into undeveloped areas.