CEO, Firewize
04 Jun, 2021
A portable fire extinguisher and a fire blanket are probably the best two investments in fire safety for your motorhome. Selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher is paramount to ensuring your safety and protecting your assets from the effect from fire.
In Australia there are special requirements published by the Government that cover the selection, installation and maintenance of a portable fire extinguisher for vehicles. These requirements are called the "Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 44/01 – Specific Purpose Vehicle Requirements) 2006"
44.2.8.3. Fire Extinguisher
Motorhomes and ‘Caravans’ shall be provided with a fire extinguisher(s) selected and located in accordance with the Australian Standard AS 2444 - 1985 “Portable Fire Extinguishers - Selection and Location”.The mounting bracket must also comply with Australian Standard 2444. It must be able to withstand the forces that result from impact or braking and must be designed such that the fire extinguisher does not dislodge during travel.
Selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher for a motorhome is based on the types of fires and risks we might typically expect in this type of environment.
The Vehicle Standards Guide 5 (VSG-5) published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator ("NHVR") also sets out specific requirements for the rating and mounting location of a fire extinguisher in a motorhome as follows;
Fire extinguishers
Every motorhome must contain at least one fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 5B, which also complies with Australian Standard 2444 – Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets. At least one of these fire extinguishers must be securely mounted in the living space of the motorhome, in a readily visible and accessible position no higher than 1.2 metres from the floor of the living space.Vehicle Standards Guide 5 (VSG-5) - Converting a vehicle into a motorhome
Every portable fire extinguisher is given a classification (class) and rating according to its ability to control and suppress a fire. For a motorhome, the obvious types of fires we might expect include fuel that include;
There may also be a need for a fire extinguisher for flammable gasses such as propane or butane used for outdoor BBQ's or indoor kitchens. The reality however is that an fire extinguisher for this class of fire is quite specialised and in a motorhome, as long as good gas cylinder maintenance is practiced and fittings and gas pipelines and secure, then the likelihood of a gas fire is very low.
Every week Firewize hosts a free fire extinguisher service clinic. When you arrive for your booking a friendly member of our team will greet you and conduct the service. When we complete the service, we will mark the fire extinguisher service record, completing the service.
The best type of fire extinguisher for a motorhome is one that provides broad protection from a wide range of fire classifications. For this reason, we recommend a minimum 4A:40B:E dry chemical powder fire extinguisher rated for the following fire classifications;
We also recommend that people choose a fire extinguisher with a hose (instead of a nozzle) to control the direction of the flow of the extinguishing agent from the fire extinguisher.
With a discharge time of 14.3 seconds, an agent capacity of 2.4Kg and gross mass of 4.3Kg, this is by far the most popular fire extinguisher in Australia due to its combination of build quality, performance, gross weight, physical size, easy handling and use.
But that’s where the industry comparisons stops! Our research shows our industry leading 4A:40B:E extinguisher rating is unparalleled amongst its peers, making it comparable in performance to some extinguisher brands being sold at almost twice the size and gross weight.
So if you're looking for a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket combination for your motorhome, then we have put together this kit perfect for your needs. The combo kit includes;
The combo kit is a GREAT choice because the fire extinguisher is small enough to be stored inside the motorhome (ideally near the entry door) and the fire blanket can be stored near an indoor or outdoor kitchen.
Each fire extinguisher provided by Firewzie also comes free with the following FIVE essential items for every motorhome and motorhome owner;
The portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket in this combo kit is guaranteed against defects in materials and manufacturing workmanship for a maximum period of three years in non-aggressive environments from the manufacture date stamped on the cylinder.
