Fire is one of the most serious threats you’ll face on your Big Lap. Whether it’s a bushfire racing towards your campsite or an electrical fault in your caravan, having the right fire safety equipment can mean the difference between a minor incident and total disaster.
Most Big Lappers carry a basic fire extinguisher and think they’re covered. That’s not enough. You need a comprehensive fire safety kit that can handle different types of fires, from grease fires in your kitchen to electrical faults in your 12V system.
Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line of Defence
Every caravan needs at least two fire extinguishers: one inside and one mounted externally near the A-frame. The external mount is crucial because if fire breaks out inside your van, you might not be able to reach the internal extinguisher.
~$90
Extinguisher Types You Need
ABE Dry Powder: Your primary extinguisher should be an ABE-rated dry powder unit. These handle the three most common caravan fire types: ordinary combustibles (wood, paper), flammable liquids (petrol, cooking oil), and electrical fires. A 2kg unit provides good coverage without being too heavy.
Wet Chemical for Kitchen: If you do serious cooking in your caravan, consider a small wet chemical extinguisher specifically for cooking oil fires. Dry powder can spread burning oil, making things worse.
Mount your external extinguisher where you can access it from multiple angles. Many Big Lappers mount it on the A-frame tongue, but consider a side-mounted bracket if your setup allows.
Extinguisher Placement Strategy
Position extinguishers where you can reach them quickly but not where they’ll be blocked by fire. The external extinguisher should be mounted in a lockable bracket to prevent theft. Inside, keep your extinguisher near the exit but not directly above the stove where a cooking fire might block access.
Smoke Detectors and Alarms
Smoke detectors save lives, especially at night when you’re sleeping. Caravan-specific detectors are designed for the smaller space and can differentiate between cooking smoke and actual fire.
~$55
Install smoke detectors in the main living area and near the bedroom. Avoid placing them directly above the stove or shower where steam and cooking vapours will trigger false alarms. The bedroom detector is particularly important as you’re most vulnerable while sleeping.
Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually, even in 10-year sealed units that might develop faults. Your life depends on them working when needed.
Fire Blankets for Kitchen Safety
Fire blankets are perfect for small cooking fires and can also be used to wrap around a person whose clothes catch fire. They’re particularly effective for stovetop fires where using a fire extinguisher might spread burning oil.
~$35
Mount the fire blanket within arm’s reach of your stove but not directly above it where heat might damage the mounting bracket. The quick-pull design lets you deploy it instantly without fumbling with clips or latches.
Gas Leak Detectors
LPG leaks can cause explosions that destroy entire caravans. Gas detectors give you early warning of leaks, whether from loose fittings, damaged lines, or faulty appliances.
~$120
Install the gas detector near floor level where LPG settles (it’s heavier than air). Many modern caravans come with them pre-installed, but older vans might need retrofitting. The detector should be wired to your 12V system with a switch near the door so you can activate it when you arrive at camp.
Test your gas detector monthly with a small amount of LPG from a lighter held near (but not touching) the sensor. If it doesn’t alarm within 30 seconds, replace it immediately.
Emergency Evacuation Equipment
Sometimes fire moves too fast for extinguishers to be effective. Your priority then becomes getting out safely and alerting others to the danger.
Emergency Lighting
Power often fails during emergencies. Battery-powered emergency lights help you navigate safely in smoke or darkness. LED units last longer and provide better light than old-style incandescent emergency lights.
Escape Tools
Caravan windows can be hard to open in an emergency, especially if the van is tilted or damaged. A window punch breaks glass cleanly, and every caravan should have one accessible from the bed area.
Communication Equipment
Mobile coverage isn’t guaranteed in remote areas. An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or satellite communicator can summon help when mobile phones fail. These are essential for serious remote travel.
Maintenance and Testing
Fire safety equipment only works if it’s properly maintained. Develop a monthly testing routine and stick to it religiously.
Monthly Checks
- Fire Extinguishers: Check pressure gauges, inspect for damage, ensure brackets are secure
- Smoke Detectors: Test alarm function, clean dust from sensors
- Gas Detectors: Test with lighter gas, check connections
- Fire Blankets: Inspect mounting bracket, check for tears or contamination
Annual Servicing
Fire extinguishers need professional servicing every 12 months. This involves checking the powder condition, weighing the unit, and testing the discharge mechanism. It costs around $25-35 per extinguisher but ensures they’ll work when needed.
Never ignore maintenance schedules for safety equipment. A failed extinguisher or detector could cost lives, not just money. Mark service dates in your calendar and stick to them.
Replacement Schedules
Most fire safety equipment has limited lifespans:
- Fire Extinguishers: 5-10 years depending on type
- Smoke Detectors: 10 years maximum, replace batteries annually
- Gas Detectors: 5-7 years for the sensor
- Fire Blankets: 7 years or after any use
- Install at least two ABE-rated fire extinguishers: one internal, one external
- Smoke detectors and gas detectors provide early warning and save lives
- Fire blankets are essential for kitchen fires and personal protection
- Emergency evacuation equipment helps when fire moves too fast to fight
- Monthly testing and annual servicing are non-negotiable for safety equipment
- Replace equipment according to manufacturer schedules, regardless of apparent condition
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