An East Midlands fire service is issuing caravan safety information for those heading to the coast this easter weekend following a fatal blaze that killed a Nottinghamshire father and daughter

Firefighters in Lincolnshire tackled an accidental fatal fire at a holiday park in Ingoldmells, near Skegness which claimed the lives of Esme Baker, 10, and Lee Baker, 48, on Saturday 5 April.

The fire service says the blaze was accidental

Over 10 thousand pounds has now been raised collectively in honour of the father and daughter.

With a large number of static caravan sites, particularly on the East Coast, the service are reminding people to ensure there is a working smoke alarm when staying in temporary or rented accommodation.

There advice also highlights that if a fire breaks out in a caravan or mobile home it is always serious. Always get everyone away from the caravan at a safe distance and call 999 immediately.

Amanda Matson is the Department Head of Prevention at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue recognise the severity of the fire and the impact that it has had on the local, and the wider communities, as well as those travelling to the East Coast. Particularly as we’re starting to enter the holiday season, it’s important that these safety messages are shared.

“Our crews will continue to deliver these messages over the coming months and that will be along the East Coast but we will collaborate with our colleagues from cross-border, Fire and Rescue services and our other partners to cover wider safety messaging such as water safety, the deliberate and wild fire safety, along with road safety.”

Staying safe in a caravan

• All caravans must be fitted with a working smoke alarm. Test the smoke alarms every week and never remove the batteries.
• If you smoke, use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed or if you are likely to fall asleep.
• Don’t block air vents – if any leaking gas builds up you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape. Ensure that air vents are clear – if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal.
• Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed.
• Never use a cooker or heater whilst your caravan is moving.
• When cooking don’t leave any pans unattended.
• Find out the firefighting arrangements on the camp site.
• Don’t dry clothes over the stove.
• Keep children away from matches or lighters.
• Children should never be left alone in a caravan.
• Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
• Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan. Gas cylinders should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty.
• If you suspect that there is a gas leak turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve, open all doors and windows and do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches or appliances until you have been given the all clear.
• Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills).

You can find out more on the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue web page.

Lincolnshire’s service also held an event in Ingoldmells on April 11 to offer support and reassurance to the local area after the fire was deemed accidental.