Factors Affecting Fire Spread in Mobile Homes. Notes taken from Fire Protection Handbook, 18th Edition and Investigating the Fireground, 2nd Edition (1996) Phillips & McFadden.

Abstract: This article lists important facts concerning mobile fires taken from Investigating the Fireground and the Fire Protection Handbook. The topics covered include the combustibility of interior finishing materials, the construction of the mobile home, and the household fire warning equipment.

Most materials found inside a mobile home, such as carpeting, plastic floor covering, wood paneling, and low density fiberboard ceilings are highly combustible. The mobile home also occupies a small space, so the conditions for flashover occur soon after a fire ignites. Early flashover may result in more fire fatalities. NFPA analysis shows that a smoke detector will decrease the chances of fire fatalities by half. Fatalities could be decreased even further if mobile home owners maintain their detectors and place them in the right locations.

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