Caravan smoke alarm deadline looms
If you are travelling north to follow the sun this summer, make sure you’re prepared for the worst.
Grey nomads and other travellers are being urged to install smoke alarms in their caravans and motorhomes now, rather than wait for laws compelling them to do so.
From 1 July 2027, Queensland will require all registered caravans and motorhomes to be fitted with a photoelectric smoke alarm. The move follows laws already in place in New South Wales and Victoria, where alarms must be installed in sleeping areas and annexes.
Queensland’s current rules apply only to newly registered or transferred vehicles, but the State Government says the full mandate will improve safety for all travellers.
The new standard will bring it into line with other jurisdictions and reflect a national trend towards stronger fire protection in mobile accommodation.
Authorities and safety experts say the devices are vital in the confined spaces of caravans, where fires can spread rapidly and escape routes are limited. In several recent incidents, caravans have been destroyed within minutes, with occupants saved only because alarms alerted them in time.
The law specifies that alarms must be photoelectric type, which detect smouldering fires more effectively than older ionisation models. They must comply with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014, be powered by a non-removable 10-year battery or be hard-wired with a backup and be interconnected so that all alarms sound if one is triggered.
Alarms designed for caravans and motorhomes are built to withstand vibration, temperature changes, and dust, unlike some household alarms, which may fail in mobile environments.
While some states, including Western Australia and Tasmania, do not yet mandate smoke alarms in caravans, industry suppliers say most new recreational vehicles are now fitted with them as standard. Travellers crossing state borders can also face different compliance rules, and risk fines if their vehicles do not meet local requirements.
Fire authorities recommend not waiting for the law to take effect. Caravanners are advised to check if their vehicle has a compliant alarm near sleeping areas and in annexes, to test the device regularly, clean it, and replace it before its expiry date.
They also suggest creating and practising a fire escape plan, ensuring exits remain clear and accessible.
For many on the road, the advice is simple: a properly fitted and working smoke alarm could mean the difference between life and death.
Further reading: Yahoo News, Caravan Industry News
Photo by Selim Çetin / Pexels
