Regional NSW now open to live your best camping and caravan life, but be fire safe warns FRNSW
Published: 1st November 2021
As regional travel re-opens today, thousands of families and friends are set to embark on caravan and camping trips right across NSW.
With an average of one caravan fire a week, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter is urging travellers to take a few simple precautions to avoid a tragedy when camping and caravanning.
“Over the past five years, our firefighters have attended more than 350 caravan and campervan fires – so I am urging campers to be fire safe, even when on holidays,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“First and foremost, pre-plan how you can call Triple Zero (000) for help if you’re travelling to locations with limited mobile coverage.
“Additionally, download the Emergency Plus app - a free, life-saving tool which uses your mobile GPS data so you can be found easily in an emergency, anywhere in Australia.”
Caravans/Camping fire safety tips include:
Before you hit the road:
• Consider buying a flame retardant tent
• Have an escape plan for your campsite or caravan
• Make sure your caravan has a working smoke alarm, fire extinguisher and a fire blanket
• Ensure LPG cylinders are secured correctly to the caravan and that all fittings and hose lines are in good working order
• Pack a portable radio to keep updated about weather conditions and fire restrictions
While away:
• Avoid using candles or open flames inside tents or caravans
• Don't smoke inside tents or caravans
• Never make a campfire too close to your tent or caravan and always extinguish campfires before going to bed
• Never leave matches or lighters in reach of children and ensure children are always kept at a safe distance from campfires and supervised by a responsible adult
• Ensure you are aware of campground policies on lighting fires, use supplied fireplaces where possible and never light a campfire when there is a total fire ban
For further information, visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=322