by Tom Walsh
Caravanners are being urged to take extra caution when it comes to fire safety after a blaze in a tourer left a family of seven hospitalised on Saturday (25 May).
A 40-year-old male was injured most severely, suffering hand and chest burns, while five children, aged six months to 13 years, and his partner, were treated for smoke inhalation.
The caravan was in a small park in Gwynedd, Wales, when an electric heater set the awning alight and eventually resulted in the vehicle being destroyed.
Fire officers attended the scene in the morning, and have since issued a safety warning to make other holidaymakers aware of the dangers.
Paul Whybro, of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Caravans and tents are potentially more hazardous as the inherent fire risks are magnified in confined spaces.”
Caravanners should avoid leaving heaters unattended, and should be careful to keep flammable materials away from the device.
It is also recommended that travellers reduce the risk of a deadly fire by equipping their caravan with a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
