Whether they are staying out in remote areas that may be susceptible to bushfires or in tightly packed caravan parks where flames can spread quickly, most grey nomads are keenly aware of the potential danger that fire can pose.
Every year there are a few caravan fires that shatter dreams, and sometimes lives … and 2024 has been no exception.
Earlier this year, a spate of caravan fires once again sparked warnings for travellers to be exceptionally vigilant to the risks … and to ensure they have all the appropriate equipment on hand.
But, of course, it is not just RVers who need to be up to speed on how to reduce the risk of fires and how to deal with them if they do break out.
Several dozen caravan park operators attended the special fire safey day. PIC: CFA
In Victoria, the Country Fire Association’s (CFA) Bellarine Group of brigades recently worked with the Victorian Caravan Parks Association to deliver a full day of fire safety education and training to more than 60 caravan park operators from across the state.
The day covered fire risk, caravan park legislation, emergency management and evacuation planning, first attack firefighting and use of extinguishers, and property preparation.
CFA’s Specialist Risk and Fire Safety Manager, Matt Allen, said educating caravan park operators, staff, and ultimately their guests, about fire safety could save lives and reduce injury in the event of a fire.
“Fire safety risks can vary in parks depending on where they are located, however the flammability of caravans and their small size means that if a fire starts from cooking, an accident or faulty equipment, there is a high risk of fatality,” he said. “The fire is also likely to spread quickly due to its proximity to other caravans and park facilities.”
He said that, for those parks situated in holiday areas such as coastal hamlets, the risk of bushfire impacting the park is high, and inadequate planning can lead to delays in people being able to evacuate safely.
And Mr Allen said education was also important to help caravan park operators better understand their legal obligations in relation to fire safety.
He said parks that were proactive in fire safety were able to foster goodwill … and it also encouraged visitors to return.
Between 2006 and 2024, Victoria’s CFA attended 717 fires or explosions at caravan parks.
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