Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have determined a caravan fire at Soldiers Point, in Port Stephens, was sparked by a faulty gas refrigerator.
The mobile home was initially attached to a car, parked on a grass verge on Soldiers Point Road, when it ignited around 1:45 pm. No one was inside at the time, and no injuries occurred.
NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers
The owner, who lives nearby, was alerted to the emergency by a smoke alarm fitted to the caravan
The owner, who lives nearby, was alerted to the emergency by a smoke alarm fitted to the caravan. He immediately called Triple Zero (000) to alert fire crews, while also quickly detaching the caravan from the car.
FRNSW firefighters, assisted by NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers, contained and extinguished the fire in less than 45 minutes.
NSW legislation
FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, said, "Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is an excellent fuel for heating, cooking and powering camping refrigerators, and is safe if used and maintained correctly. However, if stored or used incorrectly it can become extremely dangerous."
He adds, "Firefighters recommend that LPG equipment is inspected regularly, as fires are too often caused by a faulty or loose connection. It is pleasing to see a working smoke alarm was present inside this caravan. Fire crews remind all caravan owners that NSW legislation requires them to have at least one smoke alarm where the bed is inside the van, and one in the annex if people are sleeping there."
