Motorhome Safety
Wildfire Safety Guide.
Why Wildfire Risk Matters for Motorhome Owners
Wildfires are no longer a problem confined to southern Europe. Prolonged hot, dry spells in recent summers have driven wildfire risk sharply higher across the UK as well as popular touring regions in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy, and motorhome and caravan owners are increasingly caught up in the disruption.
Because motorhomes are often parked overnight on open sites, farm pitches, wild camping spots, or campsites close to heathland, woodland, or dry grassland, they can be exposed to a wildfire risk that many owners do not fully consider until it affects them directly.
How Serious Is the Wildfire Risk Right Now?
Wildfire activity across the UK and Europe has increased noticeably in recent summers, driven by repeated heatwaves, drought conditions, and long dry spells that leave grass, heathland and forest vegetation primed to burn.
In the UK, England and Wales recorded their driest July on record, and the government has issued national emergency alerts warning of a very high wildfire risk, urging people to avoid any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators and fireworks.
Wildfires have already reached UK holiday parks. A heathland fire on the Suffolk coast in July 2026 forced the evacuation of a caravan holiday park, and a wildfire on the North York Moors came close to another holiday park the previous summer before firefighters brought it under control.
In continental Europe, the summer of 2026 has seen an unusually severe wildfire season. Large-scale fires in south-west France and northern Spain led to mass evacuations of residents and holidaymakers, including several campsites, and further serious wildfires have affected tourist areas in Croatia, Greece and Portugal.
Fire and rescue services on both sides of the Channel report that the great majority of wildfires are started by human activity rather than natural causes, which means the actions of individual motorhome owners can make a genuine difference to the risk.
Sources: GOV.UK emergency alerts, Met Office, and news reporting on the 2026 European wildfire season. Wildfire activity and official alerts change frequently, so always check current advice before and during your trip.
Choose Where You Park and Pitch Carefully
Where you park or pitch your motorhome can significantly affect how quickly a fire could spread to or from your vehicle.
- Avoid parking directly on or beside dry grass, stubble, heathland, or dense scrub, particularly during hot, dry weather.
- Where a campsite allocates pitches, follow the recommended spacing between motorhomes, caravans, tents and awnings, since fire safety guidance for UK sites generally recommends keeping units several metres apart to reduce the chance of a fire spreading between them.
- Avoid parking under or very close to overhanging trees or dry vegetation that could carry a fire toward the vehicle.
- Keep gas cylinders, fuel cans, barbecues and other flammable items away from tents, awnings and neighbouring vehicles.
- If you are wild camping or off-site, check whether there are local restrictions on parking or fires in that area, and be aware of your surroundings and escape routes before you settle for the night.
Keeping a sensible distance from other units and from vegetation not only reduces the chance of a fire starting near you, but also gives you more time and space to move the motorhome away if a fire does break out nearby.
Manage Gas, Cookers and Electrical Appliances
Onboard gas systems, cookers and electrical equipment are one of the most common sources of caravan and motorhome fires, so they deserve particular attention, especially in hot weather when a vehicle interior can already be under thermal stress.
- Only change gas cylinders when they are completely empty, and always carry out the change outside, away from the vehicle and any other fuel sources.
- Check that gas pipe connections are secure and have appliances serviced and maintained regularly.
- Never cook inside an awning or an enclosed space with poor ventilation, and never leave a hob or cooker unattended while it is lit.
- Turn off gas appliances and electrical items before you leave the motorhome unattended or go to bed.
- Store spare fuel, gas cylinders and other flammable liquids outside the motorhome, away from living areas, heat sources and direct sunlight.
Be Extremely Careful With Barbecues, Campfires and Smoking
Disposable barbecues, campfires and discarded cigarettes are among the most frequently cited causes of wildfires by UK fire and rescue services, and the same risks apply directly to motorhome and campsite touring.
- Avoid open campfires altogether during hot, dry weather, and only ever light a fire in a location that is specifically designated and permitted for it.
- Think carefully before using a disposable barbecue in the countryside or on grassland; many fire services now actively discourage them during periods of high wildfire risk.
- Never leave a barbecue or campfire unattended, and make sure it is placed on a non-combustible surface well away from tents, awnings, dry grass and decking, since disposable barbecues can scorch or ignite decking even when placed carefully.
- Fully extinguish barbecues and campfires with water before disposing of ashes, and never assume a fire is out just because the flames have gone. Buried embers can smoulder underground for days before breaking out again.
- Dispose of cigarettes properly and never discard them on the ground or from a vehicle window; a lit cigarette dropped onto dry grass is enough to start a wildfire.
- Take litter home with you, especially glass, which can focus sunlight and start a fire in dry vegetation.
Fit and Test Fire Detection Equipment
A working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm can give you vital extra seconds to react if a fire starts inside the motorhome, and a fire extinguisher or fire blanket can help you deal with a small fire safely before it takes hold.
- Fit a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm inside the motorhome and test them regularly.
- Carry a suitable fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, and make sure everyone travelling with you knows where they are kept and how to use them.
- Keep escape routes, windows and roof hatches clear and easy to open in an emergency, and agree an escape plan with everyone on board.
- Keep a torch handy for emergencies rather than relying on candles, which are an additional fire risk.
Fire detection equipment is designed to help with fires that start inside or close to the vehicle. It will not protect you from a fast-moving wildfire approaching from open countryside, which is why awareness of the wider risk and an early escape plan matter just as much.
Check the Wildfire Risk Before and During Your Trip
Wildfire risk can change quickly with the weather, so it is worth checking conditions before you travel and again during a longer trip.
- In the UK, the Met Office publishes a Fire Severity Index that reflects current wildfire danger based on weather conditions, and GOV.UK issues emergency alerts directly to mobile phones when the national wildfire risk is very high.
- In Europe, the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) publishes daily fire danger forecasts and an interactive map covering most of the continent, which can help you assess risk along your route.
- Local authorities in wildfire-prone parts of France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy frequently issue their own restrictions during high-risk periods, including local bans on open fires, barbecues and sometimes access to certain forested or coastal areas. These rules can apply even where similar activity is normally permitted.
- Keep an eye on local news, official social media accounts, and campsite notices for updates, particularly during a heatwave or prolonged dry spell.
You can check current UK wildfire guidance on GOV.UK's Prepare campaign , and European fire danger conditions on EFFIS .
Driving Near or Through Wildfire Smoke
If your route takes you close to an active wildfire or through drifting smoke, treat it as a serious hazard rather than simply reduced visibility.
- Avoid travelling toward an area affected by wildfire wherever possible, since this can also slow the emergency response by adding to congestion on access roads.
- If you do have to drive through smoke, keep windows and vents closed and turn off any system that draws in outside air, such as air conditioning set to a fresh-air mode.
- Smoke can irritate the eyes, throat and airways, so anyone with asthma or another respiratory condition should keep relevant medication close at hand and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance, since smoke can significantly reduce visibility with little warning, and be alert for other vehicles, emergency services and animals on the road.
- If conditions become dangerous, find a safe place to stop away from vegetation, or turn back the way you came, rather than pressing on through worsening smoke.
What to Do If You See a Wildfire
If you spot smoke or flames in the countryside near your pitch, campsite or route, act quickly and prioritise your own safety over trying to deal with the fire yourself.
- Move yourself, your family and any pets to a safe location away from the fire and the direction it appears to be spreading.
- Call 999 (or the local emergency number if you are abroad) immediately. Do not assume that someone else has already reported it.
- Give as accurate a location as you can. In the UK, the what3words app or an Ordnance Survey grid reference can help emergency services pinpoint your exact position, which is particularly useful in open countryside without a clear postal address.
- Do not attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself. Wildfires can spread far faster than expected, especially in wind, and can also smoulder or spread underground in ways that are not obvious at the surface.
- Follow any instructions given by the emergency services or campsite staff, including instructions to evacuate or to stay put in a specific location.
If You Are Told to Evacuate
Wildfires have already forced the evacuation of caravan and camping sites in the UK and across Europe in recent summers, including sites in Suffolk, Yorkshire, and along the coasts of France and Spain, so it is worth thinking through what you would do before you actually need to.
- Take evacuation instructions from campsite staff, wardens or the emergency services seriously and act promptly rather than waiting to see how the situation develops.
- Keep essential documents, medication, phone chargers and a torch somewhere easy to grab quickly, since you may not have time to pack in detail.
- Know your planned evacuation route off the site in advance where possible, and be aware that campsite roads can become congested if many vehicles need to leave at once.
- If your motorhome cannot be safely moved in time, prioritise getting people and pets to safety over trying to save the vehicle or its contents.
- Once safely away from the area, let family or friends know where you are, and follow local media and official channels for updates before considering a return.
Extra Considerations for Touring in Europe
Recent wildfire seasons in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy have shown how quickly conditions can change for motorhome owners touring popular European regions during the summer.
- Local authorities (for example, through a French prefectural order or an "arrêté") can introduce temporary restrictions on open fires, barbecues, smoking in forested areas, or access to certain sites during periods of very high wildfire danger. These rules can change at short notice and may not be obvious to visitors.
- Aire and campsite access can be affected during an active wildfire, with some sites closing or evacuating entirely, as seen at several French coastal campsites during the 2026 wildfire season.
- Check the EFFIS fire danger map and local news for your specific route rather than relying only on general awareness of "wildfire season" in southern Europe, since risk levels can vary significantly between regions and can also affect northern parts of the continent during a severe heatwave.
- Make sure your breakdown cover and travel insurance include suitable European cover, and keep details of your insurer and breakdown provider easily accessible in case your trip is disrupted.
- Consider building some flexibility into your itinerary during peak wildfire season so that you can adjust your route if an area becomes affected.
After a Wildfire Has Passed
If a wildfire has affected an area you were staying in or travelling through, do not assume it is safe to return until you have confirmation from the emergency services or campsite management.
- Wait for official confirmation that an area is safe before returning to a site or pitch that has been evacuated.
- Be aware that burnt ground, damaged trees and smouldering embers can remain hazardous for some time after the visible flames have gone.
- If your motorhome has been damaged, photograph the damage before any repairs and contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin a claim.
- If smoke or ash has affected air quality in the area, keep windows and vents closed and follow local health guidance until conditions improve.
Check Your Insurance Covers Wildfire Damage
Motorhome insurance policies generally treat wildfire and grass fire damage in the same way as other fire damage, but cover, exclusions and habitation equipment protection can vary considerably between insurers, so it is worth checking your policy wording rather than assuming.
- Comprehensive and Third Party, Fire & Theft policies typically include fire cover, but check whether cover extends to habitation equipment, awnings and accessories, and personal belongings, since these can be subject to separate limits.
- If you own a high-value, classic, self-build or heavily modified motorhome, Agreed Value cover may give a clearer and fairer settlement in the event of a total loss than a standard market-value policy.
- Check whether your European travel cover applies at full comprehensive level while you are abroad, since some policies reduce to a lower level of cover after a set number of days overseas.
- Keep your no-claims history, purchase receipts and any recent valuations somewhere accessible in case you ever need to make a claim while away from home.
Motorhome Wildfire Safety FAQs
What causes most wildfires in the UK and Europe?
Fire and rescue services report that the great majority of wildfires are started by human activity rather than natural causes, including discarded cigarettes, unattended barbecues and campfires, and deliberate fire-setting, particularly during hot, dry weather when vegetation is primed to burn.
Can I use a disposable barbecue near my motorhome?
Many UK fire and rescue services actively discourage disposable barbecues in the countryside, especially during periods of high wildfire risk, and some campsites and local authorities restrict or ban them outright. Check site rules and current local advice before using one, and never leave it unattended or place it directly on dry grass or decking.
How do I check the current wildfire risk before I travel?
In the UK, the Met Office publishes a Fire Severity Index and GOV.UK issues emergency alerts when national wildfire risk is very high. In Europe, the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) provides daily fire danger forecasts and mapping that can help you plan a route.
What should I do if I see a wildfire while touring?
Move to a safe location away from the fire, call 999 or the local emergency number immediately, and give as precise a location as possible, using an app such as what3words if you can do so safely. Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself and do not travel toward the affected area.
Will my motorhome insurance cover wildfire damage?
Most comprehensive and Third Party, Fire & Theft motorhome policies include fire cover, which would generally extend to wildfire damage, but always check your policy wording for exclusions, limits on habitation equipment and accessories, and whether full cover applies while touring abroad.
Are motorhomes at particular risk from wildfires compared with houses?
Motorhomes and caravans are often parked in open countryside, on farm sites, or close to heathland and woodland, which can put them nearer to wildfire risk than a typical home. Their close proximity to neighbouring units on some sites can also allow a fire to spread quickly between vehicles if it takes hold.
What should I do if a campsite tells me to evacuate?
Follow evacuation instructions from campsite staff or the emergency services promptly. Prioritise getting people and pets to safety, take essential documents and medication if you can do so quickly, and avoid delaying to pack non-essential belongings.
Do wildfire risks change when I'm touring in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece or Italy?
Yes. Local authorities in these countries can introduce temporary restrictions on open fires, barbecues, smoking in forested areas, or site access during periods of high wildfire danger, and rules can change at short notice. Check local news and official fire danger maps for your specific route rather than relying on general awareness of the risk.
What should I keep in the motorhome in case of a wildfire emergency?
A working smoke alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, a torch, and easily accessible essential documents and medication can all help if you need to react quickly to a fire, whether it starts inside the vehicle or nearby.
Editorial Disclaimer
This guide to wildfire safety for motorhome owners is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional safety, legal, or financial advice. Wildfire risk, official guidance, and local restrictions can change quickly, so always follow the current advice of the emergency services, local authorities, and campsite management, and check official sources such as GOV.UK, the Met Office, and EFFIS before and during your trip.
In an emergency, always call 999 (or the relevant local emergency number if you are travelling abroad) rather than relying solely on the information in this guide.
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