The smell of smoke in your RV is a scary situation. RV fires can happen quickly, as your whole RV can become consumed with the potential of it exploding if the fire reaches your LP tanks. In addition, the fire can quickly spread to other RVs if you are parked at an RV resort, as the fire can cause thousands of dollars in damages and medical injuries
It is up to all RV owners to prevent a fire hazard from happening to their RV. Whether they purchased a brand new RV from their Maryland RV dealer or they have a used one that has been in storage for more than 5 years, you need to understand and recognize the areas in your RV where a fire may start so you can take the best precautions.
Fire Hazards Inside The RV
Most fires are caused by human mistakes, such as leaving the paper towels or the oven mitts on a hot burner. Yet you should be aware of other places where a fire can start.
Extension cords: Everybody knows that extension cords can cause fires. And yet we still don’t take the proper precautions as we overload outlets or use the wrong type of extension cord for the RV.
Furnaces: Inside the furnace compartment, you won’t find a filter for the forced air return. This means debris can get inside and accumulate on the operating machine parts. If the machine parts become hot or causes a lot of friction that produce sparks, a fire can occur.
LP Gas: It happens to the best of us where we “think” we are turning off the stove instead of turning it higher. This can cause LP gas to build up inside the RV, as it only takes one spark or lit flame to make the built-up gas explode and burn.
Generators: Generators are great to have when you won’t be able to use the electrical hook-ups at an RV resort. Yet generators can cause fires if they are not properly maintained.
Electrical cords: Sometimes mice will look for a home in your RV when it is in storage. Mice love to chew on everything, even the electrical cords on your appliances. Cords that are frayed, chewed or damaged in other ways can cause a fire.
Under The Hood: So many fire hazards can be found under the hood of your RV. Debris collected on the engine that overheats and leaking fuel from rubber fuel lines can cause a fire while you are driving.
Proper Maintenance and Inspections Can Prevent Most Fires
Before you take your RV on any trip, always inspect the inside and outside of your RV for potential fire hazards. Replace damaged electrical cords and clean your appliances. Take your RV to your Maryland RV dealer who can service your RV to ensure everything is working properly under the hood.
Source: http://www.greencountryrvdoctor.com/SpringReady.htm, http://www.campingroadtrip.com/outdoor-living-newsletter-july-2012/rv-generator-maintenance-tips, http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/11/rv_safety.php, http://books.google.com/books?id=hqVVlL7HEDgC&pg=PA200&lpg=PA200&dq=Potential+Fire+Hazards+In+Your+RV&source=bl&ots=VyhmQ9N3En&sig=X4UFYkX22puwJCoxS8lMm5Y9FCw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zfZ3Ubj8BofBqAGQo4GYCA&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Potential%20Fire%20Hazards%20In%20Your%20RV&f=false
