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Firefighter on duty during fatal Arbroath blaze warns caravan users of risks

Tayside firefighter Steven Low who was at the scene of the Arbroath fatal caravan fire in 2018, right.
Tayside firefighter Steven Low who was at the scene of the Arbroath fatal caravan fire in 2018, right.

A firefighter on duty during a fatal caravan fire near Arbroath has given a heartfelt warning to staycationers in Tayside this year.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service group commander Steven Low was the incident commander at the devastating 2018 blaze where an 81-year-old man died.

Neighbours told of the frantic attempt to save the elderly man after a fire ripped through his motorhome in Woodley Caravan Park, as residents battled to retrieve him.

Fire services arrived shortly after the fire broke out but sadly responders were unable to save him and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘There was very little of the caravan left’

Steven said the horrific death has stuck with him since.

“The damage caused by this tragic fire was devastating,” he said.

“The fire had been very intense, had spread quickly, and there was very little of the caravan left.

“Sadly, the gentleman who lived in the caravan lost his life.”

The scene of the fatal fire at Woodley Caravan Park, outside Arbroath in 2018.

In the last five years, emergency services have attended almost 100 caravan fires in Scotland during the summer months.

In Tayside alone, there were eleven incidents involving a fire in a motorhome between 2017 and 2021.

Steven is now aiming to highlight the importance of having a fully functioning smoke alarm and escape plan in place when staying in a motorhome through the #safersummer campaign.

Small steps ‘can make all the difference’

He said: “We understand people want to relax and let their hair down while on a staycation, but please always consider the risk of fire.

“Human behaviour can significantly reduce the risk of fire.

“Taking a small amount of time out of your holiday to consider these steps can make all the difference.

Tayside SFRS Group Commander Steven Low.

“No matter where you are, our guidance will always be to check smoke alarms as a priority and to ensure that all potential hazards are removed from living areas.

“In short, taking some very small and easy steps can reduce your risk of having your staycation ruined by fire.”

What is the advice to caravan users?

The fire service has given the following advice to holidaymakers to stay safe in caravans:

  • Always test smoke alarms and consider your safest means of escape in the event of an emergency.
  • Consider having a heat alarm in place.
    Always avoid mixing alcohol and cooking.
  • Never store petrol, diesel or gas containers under your caravan.
  • Gas cylinders should always be kept outside.
  • Remember to keep any heating equipment well away from combustible materials.

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