With summer approaching and many families from Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire heading off on caravan holidays, now is the perfect time to talk about something that’s often overlooked—but could save your life: caravan fire safety.
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we’re passionate about keeping families safe, whether at home or away. And after a recent tragic incident in Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire, where a father and daughter lost their lives in a caravan fire, fire safety experts are urging holidaymakers to take simple steps that could make all the difference.
A Tragic Reminder of Why Safety Matters
On 5th April 2025, 48-year-old Lee Baker and his 10-year-old daughter Esme sadly died in a caravan fire while on holiday. The fire, which was confirmed to be accidental, has sparked renewed efforts by fire officers to educate the public about caravan safety—especially as bookings surge for summer getaways.
“When you arrive, before putting the kettle on, take a moment to think about fire safety,” says Dan Moss, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
Top Caravan Fire Safety Tips for Holidaymakers
Whether you’re booking a seaside trip from Reading, Guildford, Basingstoke, or anywhere else across Berkshire, Hampshire or Surrey, here are key fire safety tips to keep in mind:
✅ Test the smoke alarm the moment you arrive
✅ Know your escape routes – check windows and doors
✅ Locate the fire extinguisher and fire blanket
✅ Never block air vents – ventilation is essential
✅ Switch off all appliances before going to bed or leaving the caravan
✅ Avoid charging phones overnight – a common but risky habit
✅ Never smoke in bed and always use metal ashtrays if smoking
✅ Don’t leave children alone in the caravan
✅ Never leave cooking unattended – especially when using gas
✅ Turn off cookers and heaters while towing the caravan
✅ Know the site’s firefighting arrangements in case of emergency
If a fire does break out: Get everyone out and away safely, then call 999 immediately.
Real Advice from Real Holidaymakers
Holidaymakers interviewed by fire officers along the Skegness Esplanade were surprised to learn how common—and preventable—caravan fires can be.
Phil, visiting from Stoke-on-Trent, said:
“I didn’t realise charging phones overnight could be a fire risk. I’ll definitely think twice now.”
Another visitor, Alastair from Scotland, added:
“With kids, you’ve got to be alert. I always check where the extinguishers are first.”
Recommended Electrical & Fire Safety Checks for Caravans and Park Homes
If you own or manage a rented caravan or park home, regular inspections are not just good practice—they’re essential for compliance and safety.
Here’s what’s recommended:
🔌 Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Every 3 years for caravans and park homes rented to the public
- Inspects the condition of all fixed wiring and consumer units
- Required to identify risks such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, or outdated installations
🔥 Fire Risk Assessment
- Annually, or whenever there are changes to layout or occupancy
- Must be reviewed regularly by the ‘Responsible Person’
- Includes checks on alarm systems, escape routes, extinguishers, and emergency lighting
💨 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly
- CO alarms should be installed near gas appliances and also tested monthly
- Check batteries and replace units as needed (every 10 years for most models)
📋 Gas Safety Certificate
- Must be updated annually if gas appliances are installed
- Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out this check
“Landlords and site owners have a legal and moral duty to protect guests. Keeping up to date with fire and electrical inspections isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about saving lives.”
— Jamie Morgan, Director, ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections
✅ PAT Testing for Portable Appliances
Many caravans and park homes include small electrical items like kettles, toasters, and heaters. These portable appliances need to be checked regularly to ensure they’re safe to use.
Recommended PAT Testing Intervals:
- Annually for all portable electrical appliances in rental caravans or park homes
- Particularly important for high-usage items and older appliances
At ESI, we carry out thorough PAT Testing for landlords and site operators across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, giving peace of mind and compliance documentation.
🔥 Fire Extinguishers – Are You Prepared?
A working fire extinguisher can stop a small fire from becoming a major emergency. In a confined space like a caravan, this can be life-saving.
Key Advice:
- Every caravan should have at least one fire extinguisher (1kg or 2kg dry powder is ideal)
- Install a fire blanket near the cooking area
- Make sure extinguishers are clearly visible and easily accessible
- Have all fire extinguishers checked and serviced annually by a qualified technician
We recommend training guests or staff in how to use fire extinguishers, and reviewing this as part of your fire safety induction.
Keeping Families Safe Across Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire
If you’re a caravan owner or planning a staycation from Farnborough, Aldershot, Camberley, or Wokingham, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review your fire safety setup.
At ESI, we don’t just offer fire safety support for commercial properties—we’re also here to help caravan parks, site managers, and private owners ensure their fire detection, fire extinguishers and electrical systems are compliant and safe.
👉 Need a fire safety check for your holiday let or caravan park? Visit: www.esielectrical.co.uk
Helpful Resources
- National Caravan Council Fire Safety Advice: www.thencc.org.uk
- Caravan Site Licensing – Local Council Info: Check your local authority website for site-specific fire safety rules in Surrey, Hampshire, or Berkshire
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Break
Caravan holidays are all about relaxing and making memories—but taking a few simple precautions can make sure those memories are happy ones. At ESI, we believe safety should travel with you. If you run a caravan site or rent out static caravans, we’re here to help with expert inspections and advice.
