Since 1980, the number of vehicle fires at service stations has
more than doubled, partly because of the increase in the number of vehicles on
the road, while structure fires and other fires decreased by 10 percent.
Starting in the late 1990s, NFPA and other organizations have received isolated
reports of flash fires, apparently caused by static electricity, while patrons
were pumping gasoline.
Facts and figures
·An estimated 7,400 fires and explosions occurred at public service
stations per year from 1994 through 1998. That means that, on average, one in
every 13 service stations experienced a fire. These 7,400 fires caused an
annual average of two civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $18 million in
property damage.
·Of those 7,400 fires, nearly two-thirds (4,620) involved vehicles.
Vehicle fires led to an annual average of one civilian death, 37 civilian
injuries and $7.7 million in property damage.
·Mechanical or electrical problems caused three out of four vehicle
fires at public service stations.
Safety tips
·Turn off your vehicle's engine when refueling.
·Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children's sight and reach.
Gasoline is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard. NEVER allow a
child to pump gas.
·Don't smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.
·Pay attention to what you're doing. Pumping gas is the transfer of
a hazardous substance; don't engage in other activities.
·If you must use any electronic device, such as cell phones, computers
or portable radios while refueling, follow manufacturer's instructions.
·Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if
there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.
·To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.
·After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a
few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.
·If a fire starts while you're refueling, don't remove the nozzle
from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area
immediately and call for help.
·Don't get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static
electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when
you reach for the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.
·If you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any
static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from
the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.
·Use only approved portable containers for transporting or storing
gasoline. Make sure the container is in a stable position.
·Never fill a portable container when it is in or on the vehicle.
Always place the container on the ground first. Fires caused by static charges
have occurred when people filled portable containers in the back of pick-up
trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners. Removing the container will
also prevent a dangerous spill of gasoline.
·When filling a portable container, keep the nozzle in direct
contact with the container. Fill it only about 95 percent full to leave room
for expansion.
Departments 
