Fire safety in an RV is a serious matter. Unlike traditional homes, RVs are compact, have propane and electrical systems, and can be engulfed in flames in minutes if a fire breaks out. That’s why preventing RV fires and knowing how to respond in an emergency is critical for RVers—whether you’re a weekend camper or a full-time RV nomad.
We recently purchased our second fireproof bag for our RV to protect important documents and valuables, and that got us thinking—are we doing everything we can to stay fire-safe on the road? here are some essential fire safety tips to help protect your home on wheels. Our important paper load increased in the 5 years we have been on the road so we had to add another bag.
1. Install & Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Most RVs come with a smoke detector, but do you test yours regularly? Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. A working alarm can be the difference between escaping safely and a tragedy.
2. Keep Fire Extinguishers in Key Locations
A fire extinguisher for RVs is non-negotiable. Depending on the size of your RV you may need at least two multi-purpose fire extinguishers—one in the kitchen and another near the bedroom or exit door. Fire extinguishers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. For non-rechargeable (disposable) models, it's recommended to replace them 10 years after the manufacture date. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should undergo recharging every 6 years and receive hydrostatic testing every 12 years to ensure they are still working.
This is ours and it is mounted next to our door. We are short in our Entegra Odyssey 24 B so we only have one.
Be sure you know how to use it! This acronym PASS may help you remember:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
3. Store Important Documents in a Fireproof Bag
We invested in a fireproof document bag to store essentials like passports, vehicle titles, and insurance papers. If a fire breaks out, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your most important documents. We recommend keeping your fireproof bag in an easy-to-grab location, like near the exit door, in case you need to evacuate quickly.
4. Many RV fires start from electrical issues or propane leaks.
Regularly inspect:
✔️ Power cords and outlets – Check for frayed wires or overheating signs. We unplug everthing EVERY time we leave the RV.
✔️ Propane system – Use a gas leak detector to ensure there are no leaks.
✔️ Surge protectors – Always use a surge protector when plugging into campground electric this will help to prevent electrical fires caused by power fluctuations.
5. Cook Safely in Your RV Kitchen
Cooking is one of the leading causes of RV fires. To prevent kitchen fires, follow these simple precautions:
🔥 Never leave the stove unattended while cooking.
🔥 Turn off propane when not in use. We only turn ours on when we are using it.
🔥 Use a vent fan or open a window when cooking to avoid propane buildup.
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, fire safety in your RV should never be an afterthought. By taking proactive steps—like installing alarms, keeping fire extinguishers handy, and storing valuables in a fireproof bag—you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your rig.
What fire safety precautions do you take in your RV? Let us know in the comments.
Stay safe friends,
Kirsten & Mack
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