Caravan Fire Safety
Caravans and motorhomes
Make every Queensland trip fire safe
Understand the smoke alarm requirements and prepare your caravan or motorhome with practical fire safety equipment.
Queensland smoke alarm requirements
From 1 July 2024
Queensland-registered caravans and motorhomes with registration commencing or being transferred must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed on the ceiling.
From 1 January 2027
All other Queensland-registered caravans and motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.
Choosing and positioning the alarm
- Use a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with Australian Standard AS 3786:2014.
- The alarm must be powered by a 10-year non-removable battery.
- Install the alarm on the ceiling. Queensland Fire Department recommends placing at least one alarm inside the caravan or motorhome near the sleeping area.
- If someone sleeps in an annexe, an additional working photoelectric alarm is recommended there.
- A caravan-specific alarm with a hush button can help manage accidental alarms while allowing smoke or cooking fumes to clear.
Essential caravan fire safety
Escape plan
Know how every escape window, hatch and door works. Keep all exit paths clear and make sure everyone travelling with you knows the plan.
Extinguisher and blanket
Keep a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket near an exit where they are easy to reach without blocking your escape. Extinguishers should be charged, inspected and serviced regularly.
Cooking and storage
Never leave cooking unattended. Keep clothes and bedding away from cooking areas and store flammable liquids outside the caravan or motorhome.
Gas and electrical
Turn off gas cylinders while towing or driving, check cylinders and fittings regularly, inspect electrical cords and test the safety switch before each trip.
Official Queensland guidance
Download the Queensland Fire Department information sheet for the complete caravan and motorhome fire safety guidance.
This information is general guidance only. Refer to the Queensland Fire Department for current official requirements.
PSA VANsafe caravan safety bundle
The VANsafe bundle combines a 2K pan-and-tilt Wi-Fi camera with a low-profile photoelectric smoke alarm powered by a 10-year sealed battery. Contact our office for price and availability.