I have a lot of sympathy for Mick's view of this. 6 metres gap is very little better than 12 metres when the caravan next to you is going up in flames and, as he points out, the cars will spread the fire too. To my mind it would makes sense to ban cigarette smoking on campsites, if it isn't banned already. But the truth is that there is a very long list of activities which can cause fires and other fatal accidents. In fact camping is itself a very dangerous activity even when all precautions are taken. But then staying at home is not much safer.
Always used to be tow hitch facing out, in case it did catch fire, and then the van was easy to move out the way quicker.
That i do understand the reason for, and can live with that.
I have been on cs sites that let you place the van in any position, and i love that, but main sites are a bit differant i think.
Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 31/10/2016
If the pitches were a decent size, and not like Sainsbuys parking bays, units could nearly pitch how they liked, and there would still be a decent fire gap.
Who decided 6 metres was a safe gap anyway? Anybody pitched 6 metres from a raging caravan is going to go up in flames with it - unless theres a very strong wind the other direction. And, dont cars catch fire in between, then?
I've long had my fill of club sites, after being on too many that resembled storage yards. Wheres the aforementioned 'ambiance' and tranquility - not to mention privacy, with someone parked on top of you, as in these places??
Quote: Originally posted by peterinmalaga on 31/10/2016
I have a lot of sympathy for Mick's view of this. 6 metres gap is very little better than 12 metres when the caravan next to you is going up in flames and, as he points out, the cars will spread the fire too. To my mind it would makes sense to ban cigarette smoking on campsites, if it isn't banned already. But the truth is that there is a very long list of activities which can cause fires and other fatal accidents. In fact camping is itself a very dangerous activity even when all precautions are taken. But then staying at home is not much safer.
I think firepits and BBQ's present more of a threat than cigarettes as a fire risk. We have seen people who are not content to use them just for purpose risking potential fires to neighbouring units.
Also with some tents now resembling Amazon warehouses and the American type 5th wheel units you must have some sympathy for sites who are now probably weighed down with regulations from the H & S brigade.
As regards 12 metres gap ,as pointed out, wind conditions and blowing burning embers ,exploding gas cylinders could cause a fire in a much greater area than 12 metres.
That is why it is everyones responsibility to reduce the risk.
Regards,
Greg
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 30/10/2016
No such rules on the continent .... where there are many more campsites.
I don't think the safety record is worse there?
I found a site in Belgium (Kompass camping, Nieupoort) that made the CC look like laid back hippies.
On arrival you were given a lecture and brochure on the precise way to park. [/IMG]
At each site the instructions were nailed to a post and once pitched they came and measured. We were asked to place our car more parallel to the edge, and a Belgian was made to completely repitch as his car was the wrong side.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Where to pitch
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