Motorhome fire

[Garry - June]

Firstly so much speculation on the cause of this its quite hilarious... second the 6m rule.... crikey don't go abroad if you will only accept 6m gaps especially on most Aires...you've got no chance.

 

[manners]

Or if we all took appropriate precautions rather than worrying ................?

Apart from a smoke detector to warn of the heater malfunction what other precaution could they have taken?

 

[Gellyneck]

Apart from a smoke detector to warn of the heater malfunction what other precaution could they have taken?

Your quoted response was in relation to "Maybe if we all worried in life about the what ifs, or the should I shouldn't I, we wouldn't have a life at all. S--- happens sadly." not any specific incidence.

 

[manners]

Your quoted response was in relation to "Maybe if we all worried in life about the what ifs, or the should I shouldn't I, we wouldn't have a life at all. S--- happens sadly." not any specific incidence.

I thought you meant there was something specific we should be checking with the boilers that I wasn't aware of. Which has reminded me of a preventative check to avoid fires on the back of Dometic 8 series fridges.
There was a lot of discussion on the cause of several fires on the German Carthago forum where the 12v connections were overheating and catching fire, on checking mine the white plastic cover had started to melt and the wire insulation behind had melted. It was attributed to the condensate container directly above over flowing and getting into the electrics. I cut back the wires and taped up any gaps to stop any water getting back in. I think on newer models they have done away with the container and vent the condensate out of the vent.

 

[TobyQuest]

The closest I've come to a fire was my victron smart controller burned out at the terminal port and the pv cable from the panel was extremely hot.... probably due to the wire coming loose which was a combination of me not tightening it down enough and victron building tiny terminal holes that many it very hard to tighten down

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[ChrisL]

The closest I've come to a fire was my victron smart controller burned out at the terminal port and the pv cable from the panel was extremely hot.... probably due to the wire coming loose which was a combination of me not tightening it down enough and victron building tiny terminal holes that many it very hard to tighten down

You may wish to use ferrules to terminate your cables for the terminal ports, they make better contact inside the port and are easier to tighten against.

Deal: KAIWEETS Crimping Tools Set，Ferrule Crimping Tool 0.25-10 mm²(AWG 23-7) with 1200PCS Terminal Connector Sleeves，Self-Adjustable Ratchet Wire Crimping Tool，Crimping Connectors Wire End Ferrules https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BQ6LQ12G?tag=mhf04-21

 

[manners]

Which has reminded me of a preventative check to avoid fires on the back of Dometic 8 series fridges.
There was a lot of discussion on the cause of several fires on the German Carthago forum where the 12v connections were overheating and catching fire, on checking mine the white plastic cover had started to melt and the wire insulation behind had melted. It was attributed to the condensate container directly above over flowing and getting into the electrics. I cut back the wires and taped up any gaps to stop any water getting back in. I think on newer models they have done away with the container and vent the condensate out of the vent.

This is what can happen. Worth checking if you have the same model.

 

[Ray-Vic]

Perhaps something that could be added in this thread is also to remind people to please take care of your LiFePO4 batteries and protect them from damage and overcharging (voltages too high etc). Contrary to popular belief they can/do indeed suffer from thermal runaway if they overheat excessively or are damaged, they just do it at a higher temperature threshold than other types of lithium batteries (some far worse than others) so are considered less volatile. Their chemistry also means the amount of oxygen released is significantly less, so fires tend to be less aggressive but still extremely difficult to extinguish.

Here is an interesting video showing various manufacturers' batteries in thermal runaway.

Of course it is generally accepted that they are one of the safest (current) design of battery, hence many car manufacturers now using LFP's (Tesla since 2021), so definitely a positive move in the right direction, and good quality ones with a decent BMS are inherently extremely safe in normal use (as is shown in the video), but they still need to be treated with care and a respectful degree of caution.

 

[Brains]

Apart from a smoke detector to warn of the heater malfunction what other precaution could they have taken?

Had a couple of fire extinguishers within easy reach of the doors might have saved the vehicle, or at least the contents.


I have 3, one in each front door and one by the hab door.

When they expire next year I'll buy 3 more and keep the old 3 somewhere I can get them fast.
Remember it's more likely you'll be using them to put out a fire in a neighbouring MoHo than your own.

 

[manners]

I've got a fire extinguisher by the door, must look at changing it though as it pasts its use by date this year.

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[jumar]

I've got a fire extinguisher by the door, must look at changing it though as it pasts its use by date this year.

Keep it, many out of date extinguishers still function, I've discharged many out of date ones and rarely had a dud.
But buy a replacement, having multiple extinguishers of the same type is advantageous...attacking a fire with different extinguishing medium can be counterproductive..unless trained in doing so...

 

[manners]

Keep it, many out of date extinguishers still function, I've discharged many out of date ones and rarely had a dud.
But buy a replacement, having multiple extinguishers of the same type is advantageous...attacking a fire with different extinguishing medium can be counterproductive..unless trained in doing so...

I've got two out of date ones in the kitchen at home and one in the garage. On all the H&S courses we did for work we were told an extinguisher should only be used to aid escape never to fight a fire, is that still the current advice?

 

[Brains]

Keep it, many out of date extinguishers still function, I've discharged many out of date ones and rarely had a dud.
But buy a replacement, having multiple extinguishers of the same type is advantageous...attacking a fire with different extinguishing medium can be counterproductive..unless trained in doing so...

I'd not thought of that issue.
The need to read the instructions on a different extinguisher half way through fighting a fire.

Although there may now be better products on the market, I'll buy the same as last time.

edit:
...... which as I have 3 x JE 50 fire extinguishers, I have now found are obsolete......
Has anyone got a recommendation for a suitable replacement fire extinguisher for a motorhome.
(ideally sold in multiples)

Ideally a 'stick' design, that works on everything from a cooking fire to an engine fire as well as an out of control BBQ or Electrical bollard fire.

Does not leave too much in the way of residue

 

[Jon Stewart]

I'd not thought of that issue.
The need to read the instructions on a different extinguisher half way through fighting a fire.

Although there may now be better products on the market, I'll buy the same as last time.

edit:
...... which as I have 3 x JE 50 fire extinguishers, I have now found are obsolete......
Has anyone got a recommendation for a suitable replacement fire extinguisher for a motorhome.
(ideally sold in multiples)

Ideally a 'stick' design, that works on everything from a cooking fire to an engine fire as well as an out of control BBQ or Electrical bollard fire.

Does not leave too much in the way of residue

Sounds like a fire stick.

 

[jumar]

I'd not thought of that issue.
The need to read the instructions on a different extinguisher half way through fighting a fire.

Although there may now be better products on the market, I'll buy the same as last time.

edit:
...... which as I have 3 x JE 50 fire extinguishers, I have now found are obsolete......
Has anyone got a recommendation for a suitable replacement fire extinguisher for a motorhome.
(ideally sold in multiples)

Ideally a 'stick' design, that works on everything from a cooking fire to an engine fire as well as an out of control BBQ or Electrical bollard fire.

Does not leave too much in the way of residue

Don't worry too much about residue, a pile of ashes is more difficult to deal with..

There shouldn't be the need to read the label half way through extinguishing a fire with domestic hand held extinguishers...most are suitable, but half way through the discharge of the contents is a matter of seconds..you haven't got time to read..

Smother the fire with as much DP as possible... this is effective...but has no cooling effect...
I have a small one in the doorway...but a very large industrial size in the garage...

If you have contained a fire with DP...apply more DP... don't wash it away with other medium...let the Fire service do that...they have loads of the stuff..

And finally there must be loads of YouTube videos on Basic fire extinction
Well worth a viewing....but at the same time maintain a safe practice and don't put yourself at risk.

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[Brains]

Don't worry too much about residue, a pile of ashes is more difficult to deal with..

There shouldn't be the need to read the label half way through extinguishing a fire with domestic hand held extinguishers...most are suitable, but half way through the discharge of the contents is a matter of seconds..you haven't got time to read..

Smother the fire with as much DP as possible... this is effective...but has no cooling effect...
I have a small one in the doorway...but a very large industrial size in the garage...

If you have contained a fire with DP...apply more DP... don't wash it away with other medium...let the Fire service do that...they have loads of the stuff..

And finally there must be loads of YouTube videos on Basic fire extinction
Well worth a viewing....but at the same time maintain a safe practice and don't put yourself at risk.

DP ?

 

[ChrisL]

DP ?

Dry Powder perhaps?

 

[JockandRita]

DP ?

Dry Powder.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

I once saw a fridge fire in a Motorhome and realised that we all go out leaving a naked flame burning. So I immediately fitted an automatic fire extinguisher designed for racing car engine compartments. They are not very expensive. It gives a bit of comfort but there would be quite a bit of damage before it operated but hopefully save a total loss.
Once I smelled burning coming from the fridge vent and found that the fridge flame was coming out of the air holes on the outside of the square burner tube rather than the actual burner and scorching the wood at the bottom of the fridge. Investigation found that a bug had crept into the air holes and made a cocoon in the burner tube over winter thus blocking the jet. I now visually check the fridge on first lighting at the beginning of the season.

 

[jumar]

I've got two out of date ones in the kitchen at home and one in the garage. On all the H&S courses we did for work we were told an extinguisher should only be used to aid escape never to fight a fire, is that still the current advice?

Never been on a H&S course, but have trained the general public on Fire Safety and what to do in the event of Fire...

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[JockandRita]

Never been on a H&S course, but have trained the general public on Fire Safety and what to do in the event of Fire...

I concurr with everything that Martin has offered previously, in the way of advice, and actions in the event of fire............regarding "First Aid" Firefighting Techniques, etc.

As untrained members of the public, you are not expected to fight and extinguish fires within your leisure boats, caravans, Motorhomes, etc, etc, but you are expected to maintain your "safe exit" as per the basic FAFA instructions provided by the supplier.

At the end of the day, it's all about basic common sense and application.

Some have those basic skills and initiative............. and some don't unfortunately.

Stay safe.

Jock.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

Firstly so much speculation on the cause of this its quite hilarious... second the 6m rule.... crikey don't go abroad if you will only accept 6m gaps especially on most Aires...you've got no chance.

That's why we don't use aires.

 

[stuartholmes]

I posted mention of this in a different fire extinguisher thread, what do the experts here think - eg why is the popular £70 FireStick better?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lifesafe-technologies-staysafe-all-in-1-all-fires-spray-bottle-fire-extinguisher-200ml/839HE?tc=XB8&gStoreCode=XB8#product_additional_details_container

 

[ChrisL]

I posted mention of this in a different fire extinguisher thread, what do the experts here think - eg why is the popular £70 FireStick better?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lifesafe-technologies-staysafe-all-in-1-all-fires-spray-bottle-fire-extinguisher-200ml/839HE?tc=XB8&gStoreCode=XB8#product_additional_details_container

I think the main issue with the staysafe extinguishers is lack of volume, they would give you a little more time to get out, but probably wouldn't be able to take sufficient heat out of a fire to stop it springing back up. Just my opinion, I'm not a professional fire fighter, but have done firefighting courses.

 

[Lenny HB]

I posted mention of this in a different fire extinguisher thread, what do the experts here think - eg why is the popular £70 FireStick better?

A lot of police cars and ambulances carry them is good enough for me.

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[stuartholmes]

A lot of police cars and ambulances carry them is good enough for me.

Carry what, the FireStick or the StaySafe?

 

[Lenny HB]

Carry what, the FireStick or the StaySafe?

Firestick.

 

[ChrisL]

There are alternatives to the firestick, I have a small firetool extinguisher next to my bed as a first go too, to at least get me to the hab door where there is a larger extinguisher, they're £15 on Amazon, comparison demo below.

Firetool Fire Extinguisher for Home Small Mini Portable-Non | Pressurised Easy to Use | No Residue | Multipurpose for Vehicle, Office, Kitchen etc. | Environmentally Safe JE 50 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JPCX35M?tag=mhf04-21