Fire Risk in Mobile Home Parks: Why Evacuation Planning Could Save Lives

For owners and managers of mobile home parks, fire is one of the most critical — and often underestimated — risks. Unlike traditional housing developments, mobile home parks have unique vulnerabilities that can turn a minor incident into a major disaster in minutes. At Enox Risk Solutions, we specialise in risk assessments for mobile and residential parks, helping site operators prevent avoidable tragedies and meet their legal obligations.

In this article, we’ll explore why mobile home parks are particularly susceptible to fire, and why having a clear, site-specific evacuation plan isn’t just best practice — it’s essential.

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Why Fire Is a Serious Threat in Mobile Home Parks

Mobile homes, especially older models, are more prone to fire-related incidents for several reasons:

1. **Close Proximity of Units**

  Unlike standard housing developments, mobile homes are often spaced tightly together. This means a fire in one unit can quickly spread to neighbouring homes, especially in windy or dry conditions.

2. **Combustible Construction Materials**

  Many mobile homes are constructed with lightweight materials that burn faster than brick or concrete. Even modern units may use materials that emit toxic smoke when ignited.

3. **Single Entry and Exit Points**

  Many mobile homes have only one main door, making evacuation difficult if fire blocks that path.

4. **Aging Electrical Systems**

  Older park homes are more likely to have outdated wiring, faulty appliances, or overloaded circuits — all of which are common causes of fires.

5. **High Resident Vulnerability**

  Many parks cater to elderly residents, people with limited mobility, or those with health conditions. These residents may struggle to evacuate without assistance.

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The Legal Landscape: What Are You Responsible For?

Under the **Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005**, the “responsible person” — typically the park owner or manager — must carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure adequate fire safety measures are in place. This includes:

* Identifying fire hazards

* Determining who might be at risk

* Evaluating existing precautions

* Implementing safety measures

* Preparing an emergency plan

Failure to do so can result in prosecution, fines, insurance invalidation, or worse — loss of life.

At Enox Risk Solutions, we conduct full-site fire risk assessments designed specifically for the layout and use-case of mobile home parks. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all templates; every site has unique risks and needs a bespoke response.

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Why Evacuation Plans Are Non-Negotiable

Too many park operators see evacuation plans as a box-ticking exercise. In reality, a well-thought-out evacuation plan can make the difference between life and death.

 1. **Speed of Spread**

Because of the lightweight and often flammable materials used in mobile homes, fires can escalate rapidly. Once one home ignites, flames can jump to the next unit in under five minutes. A clear, rehearsed evacuation plan ensures that residents don’t waste precious time figuring out what to do.

 2. **Confusion in Emergencies**

In moments of crisis, even calm individuals can panic. Without a clear plan:

* Residents may not know where to go

* Emergency services may struggle to access the site

* Vulnerable individuals may be left behind

An evacuation plan sets expectations and outlines responsibilities for both residents and staff.

 3. **Insurance and Legal Defence**

Having a documented evacuation plan — and evidence that it has been shared with residents and tested — can protect you legally if a fire does occur. Insurers often ask for these plans when underwriting commercial or residential risks, and regulators may demand proof that such procedures exist.

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What Should a Good Evacuation Plan Include?

Here’s what we recommend as a baseline for any mobile home park evacuation plan:

* **Clearly marked muster points** (preferably in open areas away from homes and gas bottles)

* **Multiple evacuation routes** if possible, especially for larger parks

* **A resident register** to identify who may need assistance

* **Communication protocols**, including how staff will notify emergency services and residents

* **Responsibilities assigned** — who helps vulnerable residents? Who opens the gate? Who grabs the emergency kit?

* **Signage and maps** posted in common areas

* **Annual evacuation drills** involving all residents

If you don’t currently have a robust evacuation plan in place — or haven’t updated yours in over a year — it’s time to act.

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How Enox Risk Solutions Can Help

 We don’t just assess your fire risk and walk away. We work with you to build **practical, compliant evacuation plans** that reflect your site’s layout, resident demographic, and fire risks.

Our service includes:

* Full fire risk assessments conducted on-site

* Customised evacuation plans for your park

* Staff training and resident communication templates

* Ongoing support and annual reviews

* Optional support with insurance compliance or council licensing inspections

We’ve helped residential and holiday park owners across the UK prepare for the worst — and, in many cases, prevent it altogether.

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Final Thoughts

Fire risk is real, and in a mobile home park, it can escalate in ways that are both fast and deadly. As a park owner or manager, you have a legal and moral duty to prepare your site — and your residents — for emergencies. A proper fire risk assessment, combined with a thoughtful evacuation plan, isn’t just compliance. It’s leadership.

If you’re unsure where to start or want to review your current fire safety strategy, **Enox Risk Solutions** is here to help.

Get in touch today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.