April 2010

A caravan burns at Banka Banka Station Caravan Park

Fierce flames take hold within seconds at Banka Banka Station Caravan Park

Park owners reminded of
their fire safety obligations

By DENNIS AMOR

THE Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service is clamping down on fire safety at caravan parks.

Letters have been sent to about 100 park owners in the Territory reminding them of their obligations under fire and emergency regulations.

Community fire safety district officer Grant Hamon told Caravanning News: "A brochure outlining the requirements was included in the letter which also advised of inspections to be carried out through the course of the year to ensure compliance."

Fire service officials promised a close look at fire safety in caravan parks after an horrific blaze at the Banka Banka Station Caravan Park, 110km north of Tennant Creek on the Stuart Highway, last year.

The fire reduced a Sydney family's caravan and 4WD to a pile of charred wood and twisted metal within minutes.

Although there was no suggestion this particular park was overcrowded, there were concerns that others sometimes cram in too many caravans in the peak season, creating a recipe for disaster.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service reportedly called for new rules on the spacing of caravans and motorhomes in caravan parks and the authority to enforce them, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

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