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Basic fire safety advice

Whether you are in a caravan or a boat, you should always:

• fit a smoke alarm
  
• have at least one fire extinguisher, which you should put near the boat or caravan’s exit
  
• make sure the cooker is not left unattended
  
• make sure furnishings and foam insulation are ‘fire-retardant’, which means they don’t catch fire easily
  
• only store safety matches – vibration could set off non-safety matches
• make sure you know the contact details of the local Fire and Rescue Service

Follow the links below for more information about how to fit a smoke alarm and other fire safety equipment.

• Smoke alarms

• Fire emergency equipment

• Contact your local Fire and Rescue Service Opens new window

For information about fire and safety and life-saving equipment to carry onboard boats, see ‘Pleasure craft – safety equipment’.

• Pleasure craft - safety equipment

Boating fire safety

These simple precautions will reduce the risk of fire on your boat and protect everyone onboard.

Fuel fires – how to avoid them

When using the engine:

• ventilate the engine compartment before starting up the engine
  
• ventilate the engine space thoroughly after any maintenance
  
• check fuel lines and tanks regularly for any cracks or leaks

Take care with fuel:

• only carry spare fuel if absolutely necessary and only in approved containers
  
• if you have to carry spare fuel always store it on the upper deck
  
• stop the engine before refuelling and put out all smoking materials and naked flames
  
• always use a funnel when pouring fuel from one container to another
  
• make sure air and gas from tanks is released directly overboard and fuel lines have a direct shut-off valve that works
  
• after refuelling, tightly secure the filler inlet cap  and clear up any spillages
  
• air the boat thoroughly before starting the engine or using naked lights again
  
• regularly remove rubbish, oil and debris from all areas

Preparing for a fire

For each sleeping position, plan the best escape route and make sure everyone knows where fire safety equipment is installed. You should also make sure your liferaft and emergency equipment, like flares, is in good condition.

If a fire starts on board

These are the essential points to remember if a fire starts on board:

• switch off fuel and gas, if possible
• if safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher
• close all openings into the area of the fire and seal vents and hatches
  
• avoid getting too close to other craft and alert them to the danger posed by your boat
  
• think of your own safety – get out and abandon ship immediately
  
• take a note of nearby landmarks that may help emergency services identify your location

Follow the links below for more information about boat safety standards.

See ‘Safety regulations for pleasure craft’ for more information about the safety requirements for pleasure craft, like yachts.

• Safety regulations for pleasure craft

• The Boat Safety Scheme Opens new window

Caravan fire safety

Follow these basic precautions to reduce the risk of fire:

• park caravans at least six metres apart, away from parked cars
  
• make sure you know what the fire arrangements on the camp site are and where the nearest telephone is

Inside the caravan:

• if you smoke, use metal ashtrays – and never smoke in bed
  
• don’t leave children alone inside
  
• don’t block air vents – if any leaking gas builds up you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape
  
• turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed
  
• never use a cooker or heater whilst your caravan is moving

If there's a fire in your caravan:

• get everyone out straight away
  
• call the Fire and Rescue Service and give your location with a map reference, if possible, or provide a nearby landmark, like a farm

• Contact the UK Fire and Rescue Service Opens new window

Using gas cylinders safely in boats and caravans

You should take special care when handling gas cylinders. Follow these safety tips:

• install a gas detection system, if possible
  
• if you think there is a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve – open all the doors and windows
  
• change gas cylinders only when they are completely empty
  
• make sure the new cylinder is secure before connecting it
  
• when changing cylinders, make sure all cylinder valves are turned off before disconnecting
  
• do not turn on the cylinder valves before the connection is complete
  
• spare and empty cylinders should be kept in the open air and secured by a safety strap or other quick release device
  

Gas cylinders and boats

Follow these safety tips if you are using a gas cylinder on a boat:

• cylinders should be secured in a sealed, weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents
  
• regularly hand-pump bilges (the enclosed areas at the inner bottom of the hull) to remove potential low-lying vapours
  
• if weather permits, ensure hatches and portholes are opened sufficiently to provide ventilation
  
• any compartment on the boat that has not been used for some time should be aired thoroughly

More useful links

• Boat moorings

• Towing a caravan or trailer (motoring section)

• Caravan Sitefinder

• Using pleasure craft safely (travel and transport section)