Summer wildfires throughout North America have brought travel plans to a halt this year with smoke pollution, road and campsite closures, and more disruptions to scheduled vacations. Within the last year, Canada has seen millions of acres lost to flames, while states in the west like California, Oregon, and Washington are constantly dealing with wildfires burning out of control. However, this doesn’t mean you have to cancel your next camping road trip this year. Instead, you should take precautions, remain calm and flexible, and practice RV fire safety. RV Trader has more on how you can plan a safe RV trip during summer wildfire season.
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Wildfires Interfere with Summer Travel
Poor air quality and dangerous smoke and fire have interfered with summer travel this year. Notably, Canada has experienced outbreaks both throughout the east and west causing closures with roads, campsites, and parks. Recently The Washington Post reported millions of Americans facing unhealthy levels of smoke pollution as wildfires are expected to rage throughout the summer. While these fires will affect your agenda, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a memorable and enjoyable RV trip this year in these regions of the country. However, RVers have to be ready to make adjustments to schedules and take extra measures to remain safe.
Take Precautions
Have a backup plan if you’re taking a trip that takes you near regions suffering from wildfires, but always keep your distance, and during a worst case scenario, be ready to evacuate. Wildfires can get violent and spread without warning, so leave an area that’s susceptible to wildfires and don’t wait until a last-minute emergency announcement. Give yourself more time to make adjustments with your itinerary.
Cancellation Policies
Before you set out on your trip, see what the cancellation policy is like at the campground or RV park you’re staying at, and how much advance notice they need if you need to make a change with your plans. You might want to make a reservation at a park or resort that has a refund policy or rebooking opportunity in case of inclement weather or natural disasters, like fires.
Air Quality
Keep an eye on the latest news reports and emergency updates on the status of a wildfire before and during your trip. You can also take a look at air quality conditions with up-to-date status updates on the air quality index with trusted sites like AirNow.
Prepare Your Supplies
When you set out, have all your important documentation ready, in addition to medications, toiletries, and valuables all organized so that if you need to leave quickly during an emergency, nothing is lost or left behind. Pack and plan your meals accordingly, filling your vehicle with nonperishable foods and as much water as you can reasonably fit in case your trip takes longer than originally expected, or if you’re redirected on a longer route home. If fires disrupt communication and you don’t have cellular service, look into alternative service options to remain in contact, and pack a wifi hotspot. Here are a few extra items to bring along for your trip:
- First-aid kit and basic safety tools for your RV
- Masks, such as KN95 or N95
- Air purifier for camping to filter smoke
Children and the Elderly At Higher Risk
Never travel or camp in an area with poor air quality from wildfires if you have a preexisting health condition that might put you at greater risk, like asthma or breathing issues. Keep in mind that children and the elderly are more susceptible to the severe health risks caused from smoke pollution.
Tips for Driving During Wildfire Season
When the fires are blazing, smoke is in the air, and the sky is hazy, you might have lower visibility when driving. Slow down and move cautiously, eliminate distractions and keep your eyes on the road. If you have the option with your RV, use the recycle air function combined with your air conditioning to keep polluted air out of your vehicle as you move. Don’t forget to bring along supplies for on-the-road repairs so you’re not stranded in a bad situation along the highway, like spare tires with a jack, jumper cables, and contact information for a roadside assistance service. Finally, follow roadside signs for wildfire evacuation routes.
Know Your Backup Routes
Plan your trip with several routes so you have a backup if things get worse with wildfires and you encounter road closures. Check for road closures before you set out for the day in the event you need to circumnavigate a bad fire. Make yourself familiar with alternative roads, like byways and nearby streets, so you can make a sudden change to your plans when you drive without skipping a beat. Keep in mind you’ll need enough clearance for a larger vehicle like some Class A RVs, looking out for any bridges with a lower overhead and lane space for making turns or pulling over. You can check if there are nearby hospitals, emergency response services, and gasoline stations or convenience stores along the way to make stops to refuel or grab extra food or water. See if there are multiple campsite locations in your area that accommodate RVs if you need to make a move due to a fire.
Change Up Your Activities
When the air quality is poor, make adjustments to your recreational activities to stay safe. Just as you would on a rainy day, move things indoors with your friends and family. Play games, watch movies and shows, read, cook, work, decorate, and do whatever makes you feel comfortable so you can still enjoy your trip. If you’re outside, try activities that aren’t physically strenuous, like walking along a trail instead of running. This will help limit the amount of bad air you take into your lungs without overexerting yourself. If you do go for a hike, go with a group of friends or family members in case of an emergency.
Fire Prevention
As wildfires spread, you might have fire bans in place at your campground, so you won’t be able to start a fire for cooking or camping out at night by your RV. See if your campsite requires a campfire permit and what’s required for starting and maintaining a campfire. If you have permission to do so, be responsible and safe when you start a fire. Never leave a flame unattended. Make sure you responsibly use and maintain matches, lighters, fuels, oils, and fire logs, which are usually sold directly from a campground marketplace. Keep a safe distance from the flame and remove any nearby flammable objects or ignition sources that could dangerously spread a fire. Have a fire extinguisher, water, and shovel nearby for putting out a campfire. When the campfire flames are burning out, douse them with water, with no remaining embers burning, so you’re certain the fire has been extinguished.
Look for new and pre-owned travel trailers for sale during the summer camping season.
As the wildfires spread throughout the summer, take further precautions during the RV travel season to remain safe and healthy. Check the air quality, follow the latest reports and announcements regarding fires, have a backup plan, and be ready to make changes to your agenda. And if you’re on the market, be sure to visit RVTrader.com for a nationwide selection of new and used recreational vehicles to make the most out of your next road trip.
Important Disclaimer: As described above, RV travel involves risks to you and your property, including property damage, personal injury and even death, in particular while traveling by RV during “wildfire season”. The considerations and suggestions regarding safe RV travel throughout wildfire season included in this article are general guidelines only, and you should always consult a professional expert if you have any questions or concerns about your RV travels. Lastly, ALWAYS err on the side of safety and do not hesitate to change your RV travel plans – or cancel them entirely – as the circumstances dictate.
