These images, supplied by Fire and Rescue NSW, show the speed at which fire can take hold in a caravan. The photos were taken of an empty caravan during a controlled demonstration under the supervision of Fire and Rescue NSW (formerly NSW Fire Brigades) crews on November 14, 2007. The images highlight the need for smoke alarms in caravans to give occupants early warning of a fire and time to evacuate.
Start slide show
Smoke starts to billow from the caravan.
Thick smoke and some flames are visible from outside the caravan 13 minutes later.
After 17 minutes the caravan is completely engulfed in flames.
In just 19 minutes the caravan breaks up under the intensity of the flames and heat.