Large percentage of these RV fires is transmission related fires on motor homes. Automatic transmission fluid leaking from the transmission can ignite, and quickly spread if it contacts any portion of the exhaust system. Before traveling in your RV or tow vehicle inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaking. Have any potential leaks checked out and repaired immediately.

Over 25% of RV fires are caused by shorts in the 12-volt electrical system. Not only do you need a fire extinguisher, but you need to inspect it before each trip to make sure it is charged. Look to see if the arrow is pointing in the green area in the sight gauge. If it reads empty or needs charging replace it or have it recharged immediately. If it’s a dry powder type fire extinguisher the arrow pointing in the green doesn’t always guarantee that it will work.

Every month you should turn dry powder extinguishers upside down, tap on the bottom of the extinguisher and shake it so the powder that settled on the bottom is released.

Having these fire extinguishers available is a great idea but they are worthless if you and the other people traveling in the RV don’t know how to properly use them. Get everybody who will be in the RV together, (not small children) and make sure they understand the fire extinguishers you have and where they are located in the event of an emergency.

Most important, do not risk your personal safety, or the safety of others, attempting to put a fire out. The first step is to get everybody out of the RV and away from the fire safely. Have somebody call 911 for help, and if you can’t extinguish the fire within the first minute or so let the professionals put it out

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Polk