I'm literally crying, so sad to see this

[dash300]

think that is a bit harsh, think you are down playing the job the brigade does.

Perhaps, but investigation and prevention as in every other organisation needs to be given a strategic priority where lives and livelyhoods are potentialy lost.
Police have primary objects to fulfil. Prevention, Detection, then Aprehension. The Firebrigade are primarily reactive and prevention and investigation needs more priority, particularly where developers are concerned shall we say!

 

[haganap]

The fire brigade report/conclusion will make interesting reading for all of us and of course the vehicle manufacturer. I hope the insurers don't dispose of it before that happens

this isn't how it works. The brigade simply came out, put the fire out over the 2.5 hours they were here. They then spoke with their oncall investigator and described the burn patterns and were satisfied it was an electrical fault that had occurred. When I asked the whys or how's, the answer was simply that sometimes these things happen and it would be highly unlikely to establish anything more because other than the burn patterns pretty much all the electrics were completely destroyed. Seeing where the burn pattern is and the heat source (I'm only speculating) the high probability is as has been said before on previous posts, the point where the cab joins the hab is where whatever happened happened.
I would love for the Insurers to take a real decent proper look at it and gain further information. Not sure I will sleep soundly again in a motorhome at this time without knowing the true reason as to why it went. But as the fire brigade said, "these things happen"

I won't have a bad word said against the 8 firefighters that turned up either. They were extremely professional, risked their own well being at a difficult time, especially when the fire was at it's height, in order to save our house. But, most of all they were extremely sympathetic towards two completely distraught people who had just watched a huge part of their lives go up in flames. They even offered me a house inspection to ensure our house was safe as well as lots of advice regarding the van.

 

[glenn2926]

think that is a bit harsh, think you are down playing the job the brigade does.

When you’ve been in the job a good few years you do get used to these type of comments. Always from someone who hasn’t done the job.
Don’t let it bother you. Firemen don’t .

 

[TheBig1]

I know. It was ever thus; somone has to be seriously injured or die before anything is investigated. The Fire Brigade needs to be far more proactive in this regard particularly with the cladding debacle still ongoing. Putting out fires is to late for some!

Would be interesting to hear why you think this? The guys at the dangerous end of the job risk their lives to save others. The insurers will want an answer of probable cause, so there will be answers. Maybe not given by the heros that extinguished the flames. It will be looked over at the yard by an insurance investigator/engineer

 

[Lynne Roy]

So sorry for you, I can only try and imagine how you feel, but I hope you enjoy another Motorhome , try and remember it’s rare that this happens x

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[GAVLAD]

I truly am sorry to read this thread.
As much as you feel that it couldn’t be any worse, there is some saving grace that one, both of you are ok and uninjured and two, that the fire in your Motorhome did not spread to your house.
I have seen too many times when a vehicle fire has spread to their house.
Was the electric hook up plugged in at the time?
I’m wondering whether there was either a short circuit on the van side or a failed component relating to the electric hookup.
In anyway, I’m sure that the insurance adjuster will carry out an investigation.
You will be able to request a copy of the fire report from the fire service, although I suspect that they will report it as an electrical fault as the reporting system has basic drop down options, so unless the officer in charge adds some comments in the free text box to their investigation, it probably won’t give you much information as to the actual cause.
Make sure your insurance company knows that you attempted to extinguish the fire with your own fire extinguishers too.
Good luck and as much as it’s upsetting, you are fortunate that it didn’t spread or take affect during the night whilst you wasn’t on hand.

 

[dash300]

this isn't how it works. The brigade simply came out, put the fire out over the 2.5 hours they were here. They then spoke with their oncall investigator and described the burn patterns and were satisfied it was an electrical fault that had occurred. When I asked the whys or how's, the answer was simply that sometimes these things happen and it would be highly unlikely to establish anything more because other than the burn patterns pretty much all the electrics were completely destroyed. Seeing where the burn pattern is and the heat source (I'm only speculating) the high probability is as has been said before on previous posts, the point where the cab joins the hab is where whatever happened happened.
I would love for the Insurers to take a real decent proper look at it and gain further information. Not sure I will sleep soundly again in a motorhome at this time without knowing the true reason as to why it went. But as the fire brigade said, "these things happen"

I won't have a bad word said against the 8 firefighters that turned up either. They were extremely professional, risked their own well being at a difficult time, especially when the fire was at it's height, in order to save our house. But, most of all they were extremely sympathetic towards two completely distraught people who had just watched a huge part of their lives go up in flames. They even offered me a house inspection to ensure our house was safe as well as lots of advice regarding the van.

Not bad mouthing the FB frontline at all, I have been grateful personally for their efforts in the past and my younger brother is one; my point is an organisational policy /strategy one and not knocking the boys and girls doing the work who are first class.
Fires need to be subject to more investigation than they currently are is my contention.
I have never put a fire out but I have had to attend Coronors Court on rather to many occasions in relation to fatal fires and related incidents to know that LFB (my region) actions at the scene have always been exemplary but subsequent investigations by investigators could, shall we say have been better.

 

[Nanniemate]

When things go wrong get practical, hard as it maybe you need to start to empty the cupboards and start washing anything that is washable that has survived. (check with the insurance company first) Then the new jacket how did yo buy it ? if it was on a credit card they may have insurance this, is worth a look at, as often it cover items for the first 3 months. I am not sure what will be covered by your van insurance/house/contents but you do need to sort out which covers which items

It may also help you to feel a little better rather than looking at the lost, you will be able to salvage somethings . Your beautiful dog keepsake can be saved in some way as Riverbankannie suggested

You have not lost the memories you made during your travels they will be with you always, as for the shot glasses you can enjoy collecting more, I am sure the contents may have given you a few headaches over the years

It maybe worth checking your travel insurance, they may cover a hire van for your ski trip.

You will be fine, your are warm and safe and surrounded by amazing friends who want to help you

Your dream van will come along again, be kind to yourselves try not to think what if's, but where can we go from here, (interest rates are going up so there are bound to be vans becoming available)

All our thoughts are with you, and when you do get you shinny new van it will make one hell of a story at your next Funster meet. I hope everything is sorted quickly for you best wishes and speedy replacement x

 

[Puddleduck]

I'm sorry I only just read this thread

All I want to say has been said so all I can do is add to the joint hug.

 

[Margaux2]

this isn't how it works. The brigade simply came out, put the fire out over the 2.5 hours they were here. They then spoke with their oncall investigator and described the burn patterns and were satisfied it was an electrical fault that had occurred. When I asked the whys or how's, the answer was simply that sometimes these things happen and it would be highly unlikely to establish anything more because other than the burn patterns pretty much all the electrics were completely destroyed. Seeing where the burn pattern is and the heat source (I'm only speculating) the high probability is as has been said before on previous posts, the point where the cab joins the hab is where whatever happened happened.
I would love for the Insurers to take a real decent proper look at it and gain further information. Not sure I will sleep soundly again in a motorhome at this time without knowing the true reason as to why it went. But as the fire brigade said, "these things happen"

I won't have a bad word said against the 8 firefighters that turned up either. They were extremely professional, risked their own well being at a difficult time, especially when the fire was at it's height, in order to save our house. But, most of all they were extremely sympathetic towards two completely distraught people who had just watched a huge part of their lives go up in flames. They even offered me a house inspection to ensure our house was safe as well as lots of advice regarding the van.

So sorry for you. I have an ongoing complaint with a new Hymer that they don’t seem to give a fig about. The pendant type light suddenly turned itself on and started to flicker erratically. It’s a touch type and I touched it to turn it off and burned my finger. The light internals had completely burned out. They didn’t apologise although the dealer supplied a new one under warranty. Hymer insist there was nothing to worry about despite a burned finger. There by the grace of god’s go I!

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[ShiftZZ]

Some years ago, I had work done on my motorhome by a Funster recommended installer, he installed two solar and an extra leisure battery, I was having issues anyhow at a meet I mentioned it to Simon TheCaller who came over and did his best to try and fix the electrical problem.. The installer had connected the second battery to the 1st using a crocodile clip, extremely unprofessional and dangerous... Since then I have only used a few dealers/companies..

Im not saying that there was any similarities with Paul's tragic loss, but it does make you think..

 

[Steve and Denise]

I have one of these big red cut off switches in the HAB battery compartment on my Carthago C Line which I believe is a Carthago Factory fit, I also have one next to the inverter which I don’t think is factory fit, BIG question….. does the factory one kill ALL the 12v hab electrics

Ours kills all hab and inverter factory fit

 

[buttons]

this isn't how it works. The brigade simply came out, put the fire out over the 2.5 hours they were here. They then spoke with their oncall investigator and described the burn patterns and were satisfied it was an electrical fault that had occurred. When I asked the whys or how's, the answer was simply that sometimes these things happen and it would be highly unlikely to establish anything more because other than the burn patterns pretty much all the electrics were completely destroyed. Seeing where the burn pattern is and the heat source (I'm only speculating) the high probability is as has been said before on previous posts, the point where the cab joins the hab is where whatever happened happened.
I would love for the Insurers to take a real decent proper look at it and gain further information. Not sure I will sleep soundly again in a motorhome at this time without knowing the true reason as to why it went. But as the fire brigade said, "these things happen"

I won't have a bad word said against the 8 firefighters that turned up either. They were extremely professional, risked their own well being at a difficult time, especially when the fire was at it's height, in order to save our house. But, most of all they were extremely sympathetic towards two completely distraught people who had just watched a huge part of their lives go up in flames. They even offered me a house inspection to ensure our house was safe as well as lots of advice regarding the van.

Sorry to hear of your plight Paul glad you are both safe and hope it is soon resolved. Let’s hope for the sake of similar badged motorhome owners that the insurance assessor will get the vehicle manufacturer involved with the investigation. If I owned a similar van or one that uses the same bed structure, then I would need to know incase it is an inherent manufacturing fault that caused the fire. The insurance assessor has a duty of care to all owners of similar vehicles. Good luck.

 

[Coolcats]

Perhaps, but investigation and prevention as in every other organisation needs to be given a strategic priority where lives and livelyhoods are potentialy lost.
Police have primary objects to fulfil. Prevention, Detection, then Aprehension. The Firebrigade are primarily reactive and prevention and investigation needs more priority, particularly where developers are concerned shall we say!

If the fire is Novel maybe but if it’s standard and looks like an electrical fault why spend time and resources on a ‘known issue’ if there was a fatality maybe the investigation goes further. I once crashed a Mini ( for a second time) the attending police man tried helping to move the vehicle he slipped and fell so his report said the accident was due to an oily road surface, what more investigation was needed?

 

[Adventuress]

My heart goes out to you both. it’s a tragedy most couldn’t comprehend. Hope you get everything straightened out and get to go skiing before the end of the season.

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[Vikivan]

I have just read the thread and I am very sorry about what has happened to your camper and to you. We also have Carthago and hopefully, the cause of the problem doesn't lie in a manufacturing fault. Good luck with sorting everything so you can be on the road as soon as possible.

 

[chaser]

Hi Paul, I have kept out of this up to yet and feel for you the same as everyone else so not a lot that can be said, but was everything running through fuses, why didn't they blow when you heard arcing.

 

[pelican]

Hi Paul, I have kept out of this up to yet and feel for you the same as everyone else so not a lot that can be said, but was everything running through fuses, why didn't they blow when you heard arcing.

Could it have been supply to fuse box in that case?
Interested as I had a boat that had a large (60amp breaker) at the battery end of the supply cable to the domestic fuseway.

 

[Minxy]

I suspect that the 'arcing' set fire to the seat etc before it could be isolated hence the fire.

 

[Platelet]

Just catching up. So sorry for the loss of your van, I know it’s no consolation but at least you are OK and not seriously hurt. Looking at the very first photo you posted, it would appear that the front 2 seats are still intact and the squabs are in one piece indicating it didn’t originate from under the seats? On the other hand the drivers o/s panel has melted and chard, I’m not familiar with what electrical switches are on there but it could have started there travelling up to the ceiling and across. This is just my thoughts though. At least you managed 4 days, 3yrs ago I picked up my brand new Skoda Kodiaq Scout with 7 miles on the clock. By the time it had got to 23 it was a burnt out shell on the M65!! No explanation from Skoda or the insurance company, although I had protected no claims discount my next premium went up by £400. I still have 2yrs left of having to declare a claim!

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[MacroMad]

That's a pretty traumatic event, hope your ok.
All these folk who commented above expressed their concern for you, they did ask how it started.
Any response to that.

 

[Richard n Ann]

That's a pretty traumatic event, hope your ok.
All these folk who commented above expressed their concern for you, they did ask how it started.
Any response to that.

He doesn't know, but firemen said it was electrical.

 

[Tony50]

I feel so sorry for you both thank goodness you were not hurt

 

[SuzieSwift]

OMG I feel so sorry for you and the loss of your motorhome, thank God that you weren't in it. Best wishes Tony x

 

[haganap]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I know so many of you have been so thoughtful and many of you keep asking the same questions and performing assumptions in regards as to how this started. Some of you are trying with the best intentions to be forensic investigators but
I have said all I can say on this, there is nothing I can add and if I did so it would be pure speculation and not helpful to anyone. I am not an electrician, but as demonstrated above, electrical fires happen sadly.


Also Nikki and I remain completely distraught about the whole situation. We can't even put any humor in to the situation as yet. We just want to curl up and hope we wake up and the nightmare is over. Luckily, there is Wine for these situations.

The motorhome still remains on our drive which is a right sickener at the current time. Try and remember, there are 1000s tens of 1000s of motorhomes happily being driven around which don't burst in to flames. It remains a really rare occurrence and we have been motorhoming 20 years with no issues. somehow though, these bad luck stories always seem to find us.

many thanks for your continued support and messages

Paul and Nikki

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[Trout bum]

Worst nightmare so sorry for you both , you are both safe which is the main thing the van can be sorted , any news on how it happened .

 

[G-RMPS]

Just read of your disaster :-(. Please add my condolences to all the others. You must both be gutted. For what it’s worth I’m three months into “recovery” from my own mishap.

A friend managed to crash my plane (which I had spent a couple of years building) while I was on holiday in our motorhome. Three months on, I’ve had a payout from the insurer, got my head around rebuilding it, and now just need to wait 12 months for spare parts to arrive. It takes time to get used to the disappointment but, if no one is injured or worse, things will improve.

I hope, in time, you will feel the same. Good luck with the insurance as a first step…

 

[Aspenshaw]

As a new member, I haven't got into the swing of how I should behave. So apologies in advance if what I say is inconsiderate. It's not meant to be.

On numerous occasions, I have helped people deal with trauma by referring them to the Stockdale Paradox. It does help. The paradox is

“You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end - which you can never afford to lose - with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” - James Stockdale"

Admiral Stockdale was the highest ranking naval officer to be held prisoner during the Vietnam War, and he made it through hell. Stockdale

Whatever you do, Paul and Nikki, I wish you the best in the knowledge you will get through this.

 

[two]

How dreadful! I do hope you are able to recover and get back on the road again.

It could have been much worse (if you had not been aware as soon as it started, or were using it away from home, or… ), but I don’t wish to make light of it. I had an electrical fire on my boat but was lucky enough to isolate everything before anything caught fire. It still made an awful mess and required a complete re-wire.

If you ever get a more definitive view about a likely cause or how it might be avoided, I’m sure you’ll let us know. In the meantime, I‘ll rest with the notion that this kind of event is not a common experience.

Best wishes to both of you!

 

[vectian]

haganap so sorry for the pair of you.​

this may sound selfish, but what insurance are you with, it's just that I don't want to be with a firm that treats you like that after such a traumatic event, and I'm sure other members wouldn't want to be either

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