Tour Commander, 509.625.7100
Monday, May 22, 2023 at 8:49 a.m.
At 6:54 PM on Friday, May 19th, 2023, SREC Dispatch received a report of an RV on fire in Camp Hope from campers and staff. The closest Spokane Fire Department company responded and arrived within two minutes of dispatch, reporting smoke showing from a medium-sized RV in the southwest corner of the camp. Firefighters were forced to cut fencing manually to gain access to the fire, and an additional ladder company was added to assist in firefighting efforts.
The RV was searched, and the fire was extinguished in 8 minutes despite the heavy clutter and obstacles. During the investigation, it was determined that the occupant of the RV was asleep when the fire started. An observant security guard noticed the heavy smoke from the trailer and was able to open the door to rescue the adult male occupant. Both the occupant and the security guard reported seeing heavy fire above the occupant's head that was rolling toward the rear of the trailer when they crawled out. The occupant only had seconds before a flashover of the space occurred--and most likely, both would have been killed.
The fire was caused by an overloaded circuit being powered by a small generator. The electrical circuit had no protection to prevent a fire and was severely overloaded with appliances, chargers, and a window air conditioning unit. The damage to the RV and its contents resulted in a complete loss. There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters due to this incident. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the occupants.
To improve the level of fire safety in electrical circuits, there are several protections can be implemented. Here are some safeguards:
Circuit Breakers: Install circuit breakers or fuses in the circuit. These devices automatically disconnect the power supply when excessive current flows through the circuit, preventing overheating and potential fire hazards.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are crucial in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. GFCIs detect imbalances in the electrical current and swiftly shut off power to prevent electric shocks and potential fires.
Surge Protectors: Utilize surge protectors or surge suppressors to safeguard against voltage surges. These devices absorb excess voltage and redirect it away from sensitive electronics, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Grounding: Ensure proper grounding of electrical systems. Grounding provides a path for electrical current to safely dissipate in case of a fault, reducing the chance of overheating and fire.
Inspections: Schedule routine inspections by a licensed electrician to identify and address potential electrical issues, such as frayed wires, loose connections, or outdated components.
Adequate Wiring: Use appropriate wiring and fire-resistant materials for insulation for the intended load and environment. Overloaded or improper wiring can generate excessive heat and ignite a fire. Consult a licensed electrician to determine the correct wire gauge and type for your needs.
