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A caravan at West Wittering was destroyed by fire yesterday when West Sussex Fire Brigade turned its hand to arson.

The demonstration showed just how easily a caravan will burn once a blaze has started and heralds the start of a new campaign from October 1st, designed to show that a smoke alarm is vital, and could easily save lives.

"Most people think of a smoke alarm as a device to use in a house or flat," said Community Fire Safety Officer Roger Wood. "But in fact they can be used anywhere there is a risk. And in a caravan there is a significant risk of fire."

In the last two years West Sussex firefighters have been called to 55 fires in caravans - some of them with tragic consequences, "We have had two fatal fires this year alone," recalled Mr Wood. "In both cases, no smoke alarm was fitted.

"Caravan manufacturers do all they can to make these vehicles fireproof," he continued. "But if a blaze begins, there is often only one way out - through the only door. Now we're going to show just how easily a fire can wipe out a caravan - sometimes with tragic consequences."

Concern over the danger of fire in caravans was echoed by Michael Dennis, West Sussex County Council Member for Public Safety. "Caravanning and camping is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself," he said. "But when you're cooking, for example, in a confined space, you're working very close to heat sources. An in expensive smoke alarm can make a crucial difference in the event of a mishap."

There are many ways you can help prevent a fire in your caravan, as well as fitting a smoke alarm:

• Keep gas cylinders outside your caravan and turn them off if possible when leaving or going to bed.
  
  
• Before going to bed or leaving the caravan, turn off appliances.
  
  
• Never use a cooker or a heater while the caravan is moving.
  
  
• Take care when cooking- don't leave fat pans unattended.
  
  
• Keep matches out of reach of children.
  
  
• If you smoke, use metal ash trays. NEVER smoke in bed.
  
  
• Children should never be left alone in a caravan.
  
  
• Keep your caravan ventilated. Don't block up air vents, it could be fatal.
  
  More on caravan safety click here
  
  A video of the dramatic demonstration is available by contacting Available in DVD or VHS format.