We are all familiar with static electricity. It's that little shock you get touching the door knob after walking across the carpet. Did you know that at the gas pump it can be more than just a mere annoyance. It can be dangerous. It not just an urban legend. While there has never been a documented case of a cell phone causing a fire at a gas pump, there has been over 200 cases of fires caused by static electricity documented by the Petroleum Equipment Institute.
Drivers, who slide back into the seat while waiting for the tank to fill, create static electricity which may spark when they reach for the nozzle again - and could cause a fire.
Static electricity-related flash fires at the gas pump are extremely rare. While they can happen at any time of year, they are more likely to occur in cool and dry climate conditions, especially during the fall and winter months. The video below dramatically illustrates a gas pump fire.
The Spokane Fire Department encourages you to follow these three simple rules for staying safe at the gas pump
- Turn off the engine
- Don't Smoke.
- Never re-enter your vehicle while fueling.
Are Cell Phones Responsible?
No. There has not been a single documented incident that was caused by a cellular telephone.Cell phones continue to be cited as causing fires at the pump in e-mails circulating on the Internet. So far the PEI hasbeen unable to document any incidents that were sparked by a cellular telephone. In fact, many researchers have tried to ignite fuel vapors with a cell phone and failed. PEI still recommends not using any electronic device that might distract the motorist during the refueling process.
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