At the beginning of December 2019, firefighters were called to an RV fire that followed an explosion. . It is believed that the RV caught fire when the man attempted to perform engine repairs. The RV owner was injured while attempting to rescue a dog that was inside of the vehicle, but the dog died in the fire. As a result of the fire, the man  experienced critical burns and was hospitalized at a nearby medical center.  

Data reveals that each year there are more than 6,000 RV fires in the United States. There are many things that people can do to avoid the risk of being harmed in RV fires. One of the best steps that a person can take is to understand the most common causes of RV fires and to be cautious in the following situations.

Technical Problems

There are two common places on RVs where fires start — the engine and the wheel/axles. Consider the following factors:

• Diesel pusher engines commonly experience engine fires. Not only does this mean that you should be extremely cautious when repairing these engines, but you should also make sure that the engine's compartment is cleaned periodically to reduce the risk of fires. Some people even purchase engine fire suppression systems for the engine compartment, which can extinguish fires in the engine.
• Fuel leaks and faulty fuel lines are one of the most common causes of RV engine fires. 
• Dry wheel bearings have caused a countless number of RV fires. After lubrication in these bearings disappears, they can become hot due to friction, making fires common. As a result, you should make sure to periodically check these areas and make sure the bearings are adequately greased.
• Flat tires commonly cause both accidents and RV fires. Fortunately, proper tire maintenance can greatly reduce the risk of tire accidents. You should routinely inspect your RV's tires to make sure that they have adequate tread depth and do not have dry rot or deformation.

RV Fires While the Vehicle is Stationary

Approximately half of RV fires happen while the vehicle is stationary. Some of the most common causes of stationary RV fires include:

• Refrigerators cause a large number of vehicle fires. If your RV's fridge has been recalled, you should make sure to follow the recommended recall steps.
• Many RV fires are caused by both electrical shorts and faulty wiring in air conditioners,  generators, and water heaters. You should make sure to inspect the wiring and connections in your RV and to replace them if necessary.
• Cooking and other heat sources have the potential to cause fires. You should make sure to closely monitor any cooking that occurs in the RV. 

Speak with an Experienced Accident Attorney

When RV fires occur, the results are often devastating. In addition to large repair bills, it is also common to suffer serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in an RV fire and another party is responsible, you should consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer. Contact West Law Office today for assistance.