Caravan Fire Safety: How to Protect Your Holiday Home and Your Finances
My post today is brought to you in association with Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance. It concerns an important subject all caravan owners need to be aware of.
With the UK experiencing a prolonged period of hot and dry weather this summer, and drought now declared across large parts of England for the third time in five years, it’s vital that all caravan owners take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fire.
Static caravans are particularly susceptible to fire damage. Their fixed position, close proximity to neighbouring units, and structural materials – often made of plastic and thin cladding – mean that a fire can spread rapidly and with devastating effect. The use of LPG gas cylinders adds further risk if they are not stored and handled correctly.
In August 2025, a wildfire on the North York Moors came within a few hundred metres of a holiday park near Dalby Forest before a shift in wind and swift action from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss.
Less than a year later, in late July 2026, a major wildfire broke out at Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast, forcing more than 200 caravans to be evacuated from the nearby Cliff House Holiday Park as flames spread across over 150 hectares of heathland. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze over several days after a major incident was declared, a stark illustration of how quickly fire can threaten caravan parks during sustained hot, dry conditions.
Nationally, the trend is stark: the UK recorded 117 wildfires in 2025, more than double the total seen in 2023 and a 32% increase on 2024, second only to the record 207 wildfires recorded during the 40°C heat of 2022.
2025 was officially recorded as the hottest UK summer to date, and 2026 has already brought comparably extreme conditions, meaning the risk of fire-related incidents in caravans remains high. This is reflected in Compass’s fire claims data, which peaked between January 2024 and December 2025 at £881,982 – more than five times the total from the previous year.
With this summer already matching the extremes of 2025, and incidents like Dunwich Heath showing how fast a wildfire can take hold, taking proactive fire safety precautions in caravans is more critical than ever.
Common causes of static caravan fires include:
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Careless use of barbecues near units
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Improper disposal of cigarettes
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Unattended cooking
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Faulty gas appliances or heating systems
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Electrical overloads and damaged wiring
According to fire safety data, a fire in a mobile home or caravan is significantly more likely to result in death or serious injury compared to conventional housing.
Kevin Minnear, Head of Underwriting at Compass, explains: “Caravans are fantastic for enjoying the outdoors, but they come with serious fire risks, especially in dry conditions. What we saw as a near-miss on the North York Moors last summer, and now a major incident at Dunwich Heath this year, tells us this isn’t a one-off. It’s a pattern, and with the UK in the grip of a prolonged drought, the risk of fire has never been greater.
“As insurers, we see the aftermath of caravan fires all too often, with families losing not only their cherished holiday homes but valuable personal belongings as well. We’re reminding everyone to stay vigilant, follow basic safety practices, and help prevent fires before they start.”
Top Tips to Stay Safe in Your Caravan This Summer
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Always use barbecues well away from caravans, awnings and dry grass. Never use them inside or on decking, and ensure coals are fully extinguished before disposal., and always follow your park’s barbecue rules and designated areas.
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Do not smoke inside caravans. Always use a proper ashtray and ensure cigarettes are completely stubbed out and disposed of properly.
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Store gas bottles outside in a secure, upright position and never in direct sunlight. Turn them off properly after use and have them checked regularly.
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Every caravan should have at least one working smoke alarm fitted. Test it weekly and change batteries regularly.
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Avoid open flames indoors; candles and gas lanterns can ignite furnishings or nearby materials in seconds. Use battery-powered alternatives instead.
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Fit a fire blanket inside your caravan and make sure you have a fire extinguisher, so you are prepared should the worst happen.
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Avoid overloading plug sockets and have electrical systems checked regularly.
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Ensure all escape routes are accessible and exits are not blocked.
Insurance Advice for Static Caravan Owners
In the unfortunate event of a fire, adequate insurance cover can be the difference between financial recovery and long-term loss. Caravan owners are advised to:
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Review your policy to ensure it covers fire damage comprehensively.
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Keep an up-to-date inventory of contents.
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Notify your insurer immediately in the event of a fire-related claim.
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Check whether your cover includes temporary accommodation or replacement of personal effects.
Fire spreads extremely quickly in caravans – even a small spark can have devastating consequences, especially during dry spells.
Kevin Minnear adds: “Prevention is always better than cure. We’re encouraging all caravan owners to make safety a top priority this summer. Fire can devastate a caravan in minutes, but by being proactive and following these simple steps, you can help safeguard your property.”
Many thanks to my friends at Compass for their assistance with this article. For more info on specialist caravan and leisure insurance, please visit compass.co.uk
As always, if you have any comments on this article, please do post them below.