There's nothing more exciting than getting your rig ready for an off-grid road trip. Whether it's setting up your rooftop tent for a quick shakedown run or planning a getaway with your trail crew. You have your gear, your route and even your first aid kit all planned out. But what about your fire safety plan?
Being an overlander means being prepared for anything that comes your way, and that includes fire. It's not like being home where you have a working smoke alarm to warn you about a fire. Fires can spread very quickly, especially when you're far away from emergency services.
Off Road Trail Tips for Fire Safety
Check regional forestry websites or local fire maps for fire bans and warnings as some trails are more prone to wildfires than others. Something as simple as leaving your rig idling on tall grass can trigger a fire, causing serious property damage, even fire deaths.
Pro Tip: Don't park on tall dry grass or bushes
It's a good idea to review your fire safety plan before and after setting up base camp. That way it's top of mind when you turn your focus to tackling some gnarly trails.
Home Fire Safety Tips While Away from Home
You can be one with nature or really put your rig to the test in tough terrain. You can't get to the extreme without preparedness & fire prevention. When you're pushing limits, pay attention to the early warnings that can save your rig, maybe even your life!
DIY Setups Create Unexpected Risks
Many overlanders customize their builds with DIY battery banks, generators, solar panels, and more. While these upgrades are awesome, they also add some risks. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring or a rough landing can start a fire in as little as two minutes.
Top Tips:
- Inspect your setup regularly
- Use heat resistant wires and fuses
- Keep combustible materials away from power sources (you'd be amazed how often people forget this!)
Campfires, Cooking, & Heaters
Portable fire pits, propane stoves, and portable heaters are overlanding necessities. They're also one of the leading causes of fires. A simple gust of wind can push flames to catch fire to outside sleeping areas which will spread to sleeping bags, tarps, or other items around your camp. Even clothing left too close to the fire can ignite unexpectedly while drying.
Fire Safety Tips:
- Keep cooking and heating equipment clear from any flammable materials
- Make sure your stoves or fireplaces are set up and functioning properly
Proper disposal of Garbage
Fires can occur when glass bottles or jars are left in the sun. If the light focuses at just the right angle, it can ignite dry grass and start a fire that spreads quickly. Aluminum cans or foil can do that as well by concentrating sunlight on dry patches of grass or leaves.
Leave No Trace inspires responsible outdoor activities through education, research and partnerships. Their principles help reduce the human impact on nature. Something we all need to take into consideration when being in the great outdoors.
Overlanding With The Right Fire Extinguisher
When you're really off the beaten path, your go bag or med kit isn't complete without a fire extinguisher. The Element E50 is built for overlanders. It's compact, lightweight, doesn't expire, and will work in all weather conditions when you need it most (just keep the tip dry!). It easily fits in your rig, requires no maintenance, and can help you extinguish a fire before it becomes life threatening.
Ask Around!
Wanderland Xperience (aka Brian) has gone to some amazing places and he always keeps fire safety in mind. Take a look at his Instagram feed:
Whether you're deep in the backcountry or posted up at basecamp, Elements E50 is your best defense against fire-related emergencies. It's the smartest safety tool you can bring.
