Fire Prevention for the Road - by Greg Moe

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Fire Prevention for the Road
by Greg Moe
 
In the last article we looked at fire safety for the road. In this article we will look at the ultimate safety --- Fire Prevention.
 
One of the most common causes of residential fires is packed lint in the clothes dryer. A fellow coach owner discovered a gob of lint backed up in the vent of his wife's built-in washer/dryer because she complained it was not drying her clothes as fast as it use to. This was a potential for disaster! Fire prevention must be in our uppermost thoughts as we prepare to hit the road. As we begin the pre-trip inspection of our coaches we must be thinking total safety. This includes preventative measures for all types of hazards. Our pre-trip inspection checklist should include the following items:
 
In the engine compartment:
 

• All areas are free of built-up oil and grease. Engines should be cleaned regularly, as this just adds fuel to a fire.
• All wiring is clean, insulation is not broken or cracked and no wire is exposed.
• Fuel lines are not cracked or leaking. (This is the number 1 cause of vehicle fires).
• The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks, loose brackets, and excessive rust.
• All belts are properly adjusted and miter boxes and pillow blocks are properly lubricated.
• Dragging belts can and do cause fires.

 
In the wheel wells:
 

• Check brakes for proper adjustment and cleanliness.
• Check tires for condition and proper inflation. An under-inflated dual can cause excessive friction heat and catch fire.
• Tire fires are very stubborn and hard to put out, even with lots of water.

 
In the bays:
 

• A 10ABC fire extinguisher accessible from either side of the coach.
• Inspect heating systems and water heater for fuel leaks.
• The house batteries should be clean and separated from all ignitable items.
• The propane system should be inspected for leaks and damaged lines.
• Ensure propane is properly vented and there are no ignition sources in the same compartment.
• Any flammable liquids stored in the bays should be separated from ignition sources. (i.e. gasoline, solvents, lantern fuels, etc.)
• All electrical panels should be inspected for loose, broken, or chafing wires.

 
In the coach:
 

• At least one 10ABC fire extinguisher.
• Inspect all exposed wiring for damage. (i.e. appliance cords, light cords, etc.)
• All flammable liquids secured. (i.e. lamp oil, alcohol, etc.)
• Check your clothes dryer vent. Lint clogged dryer vents are the #1 cause of appliance related house fires.
• If you are a smoker, make sure you have plenty of ashtrays.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Check furniture cushions before leaving or going to bed.
• In the kitchen, check propane connections and keep ignitables away from your cooking area.
• Make sure stereos, televisions, and other appliances that generate heat are well ventilated.
• All heating appliances must be inspected for dust build up and ensure they are not obstructed.

 
Things we should never do are to go off and leave the dryer running or food cooking on the stove. Either of these things can be a recipe for disaster. Look at things carefully.
 
As owners, you know the nooks and crannies of your coach better than anyone else, So make sure they are fire safe and make sure you are fire safe so that you can enjoy many safe years of travel.
 
(Editor's note: Although the facts described in this article are as accurate as possible, and delivered by a professional firefighter, it is also the duty of firefighters to caution you in the dangers of attempting to extinguish a fire and to deliver any other fire safety tips. Please don't make the mistake of trying to fight a large, growing fire. Fire grows at an alarming rate, doubling in size each and every minute. If you discover fire, you must make an immediate assessment as to whether you will be able to get to an available and appropriate fire extinguisher, return to the fire source and extinguish the entire fire. In most cases, your assessment will be negative. Don't worry about this fact. It is expected. The difference between a being a hero and being a victim is only a few precious minutes. If, within a moment or two, you fail to extinguish a fire, you must immediately focus on the fact that you must call the fire department and ensure the safety of people near the fire by removing them to a cooler location. Remember, you are driving your dream home - insure it properly, carry the safety equipment described in this article and remember that you only have a couple of minutes in the event of a fire. Please know this fact: YOU will be a HERO to a firefighter if, when the fire department arrives, you have removed your family and those around you to a safe place, even if it means losing everything else).