Fire Safety Concerns/updates

[ResQMoore]

When I did my walk through before purchase on a 2012 Roo 21SS I was very impressed with the camper aspect of the interior and exterior. (upgrading from a fleetwood popup). Now being a firefighter I am also one to look at life safety devices where ever I go. I was severely disappointed with the included (read: useless) fire extinguisher. only good thing about it is that it was located in a good location according to the NFPA (near egress route)

Now before I get full blown into the post I would like to state that I did a quick search through the forums to see if there were any posts such as this. I did not find anything so in addition to my above comments I will post some information and advice to hopefully keep other people safe and give them some information. Maybe a sticky if people like it?

While there are a bunch of different types of fire extinguisher agents (dry chem, CO2, Air Pressurized Water etc) that each have their pros and cons I will not be discussing this.

There are 5 main fire extinguisher Ratings:

A- Ordinary combustibles (pretty much 90% of what a camper is made of). Way to remember: "A turns to Ash when it burns"

B- "Boiling liquids and Vapors" LP, Gas, Diesel, etc.

C- "Charged Electrical Equipment"- self explanatory. HOWEVER- when you removed the electrical charge it will change types- probably to A.

D- "Dangerous when mixed with water" These are special metal fires such as magnesium. You will most likely not encounter these and not need a D rated extinguisher but I include for educational purposes.

K- "Kitchen" This type of extinguisher is for industrial kitchens with large deep fat friers. this is not to be confused with a home kitchen or camper kitchen. You will not need a K rated extinguisher but I included for educational purposes.

For camping applications I highly recommend an ABC extinguisher. Air-Pressurized Water extinguishers are consumer rechargeable squirt guns (for analogy). They are great for dousing camp fires (or water gun fights) but they are A rated only and can be very dangerous if used on B, C, K, and especially D fires.

Now that you've found the rating of the extinguisher that you want its time to look at the specific rating (read: size) of fire extinguishers you would like to get.

The fire extinguisher that is included in my new Roo is a Kidde 5-B:C extinguisher and is the most common included fire extinguisher on new RVs and Boats.

I will be replacing it with a Kidde 3-A:40-B:C.

Now what does this all mean?
By looking at the two ratings we can see the first is a BC rated extinguisher and the second is an ABC rated extinguisher. The first is rated for extinguishing 5 sq. ft. of class B fire and can be used on charged electrical equipment. The second is rated at 3.75 gallons of water equivalent (1.25 times the number) for fighting class A fires, 40 sq. ft. of class B fire, and can be used on charged electrical equipment.

Hope that all makes sense.

Next a quick lesson on how to use a fire extinguisher:

follow the PASS Method:

Pull the Pin
Aim At the base of the fire
Squeeze handle
Sweep nozzle side to side

Keep in mind this is only a guideline and advice. fire safety and prevention is up to you. If you have any specific questions contact your local fire department. Some departments may do fire extinguisher training classes to practice putting out fires with common household (and RV) extinguishers.

Stay safe out there so you can enjoy camping!

[herk7769]

One of my very first "Mods" was to add a 2 1/2 pound fire extinguisher and flashlight holder near the floor in the bedroom. I figured we might need to fight our way to the door one night. 1 1/2 inch PVC unions make great CHEAP flashlight holders. Smaller ones can be used to hold a smaller flashlight.

We also keep a big 10 pound unit outside next to the door (while in camp) in case a brave soul wanted to fight their way in to get us (or my grill caught fire). (oh it travels INSIDE the truck on the road).

Overkill? I think not.

[bwssr]

I added an ABG for the bed room, 5th wheel, and one at the fold out couch, so we have 3 ABC types, and know were the e-exits are!....

[Willis]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to get a better extinguisher!

[Goomph]

I have two fire extinguishers in the trailer, and three in the house. never go to bed without a flashlight right where I can reach it ... One never knows when they will be needed.

Thanks for the reminder, everybody needs to have a proper, working, unexpired fire extinguisher in their trailer all the time.

[ResQMoore]

Originally Posted by Goomph

I have two fire extinguishers in the trailer, and three in the house. never go to bed without a flashlight right where I can reach it ... One never knows when they will be needed.

Thanks for the reminder, everybody needs to have a proper, working, unexpired fire extinguisher in their trailer all the time.

Always better to have and not need then to need and not have. A flashlight is a great tool to have as well.

[2Susan]

Great Post Great Reminder.
Where would you suggest buying fire extinguishers?

[ResQMoore]

Originally Posted by 2Susan

Great Post Great Reminder.
Where would you suggest buying fire extinguishers?

So long as it is a reputable brand (kidde, Amerex, Ansul, First Alert, etc) you can buy them at any home improvement or hardware store. You could also contact any local fire protection company or call your local fire department and ask where they recommend.

[youroo]

Foam the only way to go! Go to website (www.macthefireguy.com) his seminars are at most of the Big Rallys. Youroo!!

[2Susan]

Thank you for the reminder. A week ago I stopped at Home Depot and picked up a larger ABC extinguisher. This past weekend was 4 day camping with 7 families and I felt better knowing I had a better fire extinguisher along. Even did a bit of fire saftey review with the children!
Thank you for the reminder!