RV Emergencies in Canada

The First Rule: Get Everyone Out

An RV fire is a rapid and life-threatening event. RV interiors are built with lightweight, often highly flammable materials — foam, fabric, thin wood composites — that can flash over in under 2 minutes from ignition. If your RV catches fire, evacuate immediately. Do not gather belongings. Do not re-enter once you have exited. A fire extinguisher is useful for very small, contained fires (stovetop grease fire, small electrical spark) — for any larger fire, your only job is to get people and pets out and call 911.

• Practice an evacuation drill with all passengers before your first trip — know where the exits are and how the emergency exit windows work
• Carry a minimum of two fire extinguishers (Type ABC) — one in the kitchen area and one accessible from the exit door
• Install smoke detectors and test monthly
• Install a carbon monoxide detector — CO poisoning kills silently and is particularly dangerous in RVs where the engine or generator may be running nearby
• Never run the generator in a closed space or with the vehicle doors closed for extended periods
• Propane is a leading cause of RV fires — inspect all connections annually and install an LP leak detector

Generator Carbon Monoxide Risk

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from RV generators is a real and deadly risk. Generators must never be operated inside an RV, in a closed garage, or in a location where exhaust can enter the living area. Even outside, a tailwind can direct exhaust into a slide-out or open window. CO is colourless and odourless — a CO detector is the only way to detect it. Know the symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are early signs. If your CO detector sounds: wake everyone, exit immediately, and ventilate before re-entering.