All registered caravans or motorhomes whose registration is commencing (new caravans) or being transferred must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed on the ceiling. It is our understanding that hard wiring is not required, and we are strongly recommending the use of the 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms.
From 1 July 2027, all other registered caravans and motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) recommends unregistered caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes, have a working smoke alarm installed to give occupants early warning of fire.
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FIRE SAFETY FOR CARAVANS AND MOTORHOMES
Make your next trip fire safe by following these steps:
Gas cylinders
» Turn off all gas cylinders while the caravan is being
towed or the mobile home engine is on.
» Keep gas cylinders outside unless a properly
designed storage cupboard has been fitted.
» Turn off all appliances not being used before
going to bed.
» Gas cylinders, pipes and fittings should be checked
regularly, particularly after driving on country roads.
Escape plan
» Prepare an escape plan in case of emergencies.
» Make sure you know where escape windows and
hatches are and how they work – keep them and all
doors clear of obstructions.
Cooking
» Never leave cooking unattended.
Storage
» Store all clothes and bedclothes well away from the
kitchen area.
» Store all flammable liquids outside the caravan or
mobile home.
» Ensure that the extension lead for connecting
electricity supply to your caravan or motor home
is in good condition and of suitable size for the
current load. Damaged cords must be replaced
immediately.
Smoke alarms
» Fit photoelectric smoke alarms with a hush button.
Caravan specific ones are available from hardware
stores. A hush button will silence the alarm for
a short period of time allowing the air to clear.
Battery powered photoelectric smoke alarms can be
installed by anyone with home handy person skills.
Other fire safety equipment
» Ensure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
The extinguishers and fire blankets should be
located near an exit where they are easily accessible
and where escape is also an option.
» Make sure fire extinguishers are charged, inspected
and regularly serviced.
» Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and any
other visible damage, and dispose of appropriately.
» Test the safety switch before each trip.
Smoke alarm requirements
From 1 July 2024, all registered caravans or
motorhomes whose registration is commencing or
being transferred must have a photoelectric smoke
alarm installed on the ceiling.
From 1 July 2027, all other registered caravans and
motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke
alarm installed.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)
recommends unregistered caravans and motorhomes,
as well as mobile homes, have a working smoke alarm
installed to give occupants early warning of fire.
Where do smoke alarms need to go?
Under the law, a newly registered or transferred caravan
or motorhome is required to have a smoke alarm on the
ceiling. The smoke alarm must be powered by a 10-year
non-removable battery.
QFES recommends placing at least one working
photoelectric smoke alarm inside the van where the bed
is, and one in the annexe if you sleep there.
The smoke alarm should meet Australian Standard
3786-2014. You can buy smoke alarms from most
hardware stores, large supermarkets, electrical suppliers
and a variety of retail stores.
For more information about the Smoke Alarm requirements: click here.
For more information or advice visit: qfes.qld.gov.au