Fire and Rescue NSW is urging people to check smoke alarms in caravans and holiday accommodation after a major fire destroyed two mobile homes at a Tweed Shire holiday park.

More than 40 people, including elderly and vulnerable residents, were evacuated from a holiday park on Chinderah Bay Drive at Chinderah after a fire broke out in an onsite mobile home shortly before 8pm on Thursday.

The fire spread to four units, destroying two before Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Banora Point, supported by a bulk water transfer unit, brought the blaze under control.

No one was injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The incident has prompted Fire and Rescue NSW to remind people that working smoke alarms are essential in caravans and holiday accommodation, particularly during winter, when residential fires are more common.

“Whether it’s a home, caravan or holiday accommodation, the same advice applies,” Fire and Rescue NSW Zone Commander Superintendent Gary White said.

“Residents should ensure they are protected by a working smoke alarm.”

Fire and Rescue NSW data shows 45 per cent of the 3,884 homes that experienced a major fire last year did not have a working smoke alarm.

The agency says legislation requires a working smoke alarm in every home and caravan, with an additional alarm in any annex used as a sleeping area.

“Smoke alarms have a shelf life of 10 years and any device older than that should be replaced immediately,” Supt White said.

“We also encourage people to regularly test their alarms to make sure they are working.”

Fire and Rescue NSW offers free home fire safety visits, including inspections of holiday, retirement and lifestyle villages. Crews provide fire safety advice and can install smoke alarms free of charge.

People can book a visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by contacting their local fire station.

Smoke alarms with a strobe light and vibrating pad are also available for eligible people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Photo: An appeal has been launched to help one of the park occupants who lost everything in the fire. (Image: Facebook/Chinderah and Surrounds People’s Hub)