Fire Marshal Warns against using Illegal Fuel Containers while Stockpiling Gasoline

Westport Fire Marshal Nate Gibbons:

“Four bucks a gallon, five, six… none of us know when this will end. But when faced with the stunning jump in fuel costs, a few residents have resorted to gasoline hoarding. People are taking any and every container to the pump and filling it up”, said Fire Marshal Gibbons.

Fuels like gasoline and diesel are flammable. The cans to store small fuel quantities are metal or special red plastic, have safety nozzles, and can be effectively sealed against leaking vapors, which can ignite if they find a source of ignition. “You’ve seen them around and probably have one or two in your garage. It’s what they are designed for, safe storage of flammable liquids”, reiterated Gibbons.

The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to only put fuel in rated, fuel containers. If you need to stockpile fuel, invest in the correct gas storage containers. Store fuel outside your living area, and never in a basement. Transfer fuel using safety nozzles that shut off automatically in the event of a slip or a drop. Always use funnels to minimize the risk of a spill.

The State has laws against using unsafe containers. 

If you have any questions, please call the Fire Marshal at: 203-341-5020.