Static Electricity Sparks Fire at Murdock Gas Station
Murdock Mini Mart in Dallesport, WA
by Cole Goodwin
A recent fire caused by static electricity at Murdock Mini Mart gas station is a “good reminder” of the volatile nature of gasoline.
A Shocking Turn of Events
The fire occurred at 8:05 p.m. on November 17th.
A fuel tanker was filling the station’s gas reserves when two vehicles began fueling at the pumps. According to security camera footage, not long after, one of the pumps suddenly bursts into flames as a result of built up static electricity. The gas station attendant Daniel Anderson called 911 as the fuel tanker driver jumped into action to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher.
Luckily no one was hurt and the car fueling at the pump was also undamaged. But it was still a decidedly shocking turn of events for all involved.
“I’m just happy that no one was hurt. That was the only thing I was worried about was people getting hurt,” said Anderson.
Scott Myers, owner of Murdock Mini Mart, pointed out that static electricity incidents are rare but are more common during the height of cold and dry climate conditions.
“It was a freak thing, the cold weather and everything just kind of added up,” said Myers “In my 23 years we’ve never had anything like that happen. From now on we’re going to cone everything off when we’re filling.”
This pump that caught fire is now in need of repair. However Myers said covid era problems like staffing, and supply chain issues were proving to be a barrier to getting the repairs done. Still he said he hoped to have the station repaired and in working order again within a few more weeks.
While static electricity-related incidents at retail gasoline stations are rare there are still a number of incidents that happen every year.
Ways to Keep You, Your Family and Your Local Mini Mart Safe
The problem: Static electricity can ignite gasoline vapors at the pump and cause fires.
The solution: There are a number of ways to prevent static electricity build up from causing harm to you, your family, or your local gas station. Including not using your cell phone while pumping gas, not fueling your vehicle while the gas station’s tanks are being filled, turning your engine off before fueling, and touching something metal to release any built up static electricity prior to fueling- especially when it’s cold and dry outside.
The American Petroleum Institute recommends the following ways to stay safe at the pump.
When Refueling Your Vehicle
Turn off your vehicle engine. Put your vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Disable or turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper or trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot lights.
Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump or when using gasoline anywhere else.
Use only the refueling latch provided on the gasoline dispenser nozzle. Never jam the refueling latch on the nozzle open.
Do not re-enter your vehicle during refueling. If you cannot avoid re-entering your vehicle, discharge any static build-up BEFORE reaching for the nozzle by touching something metal with a bare hand -- such as the vehicle door -- away from the nozzle.)
In the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away from the vehicle. Notify the station attendant immediately.
Portable Containers
When dispensing gasoline into a container, use only an approved portable container and place it on the ground to avoid a possible static electricity ignition of fuel vapors. Containers should never be filled while inside a vehicle or its trunk, the bed of a pickup truck or the floor of a trailer.
When filling a portable container, manually control the nozzle valve throughout the filling process. Fill a portable container slowly to decrease the chance of static electricity buildup and minimize spilling or splattering. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the container opening while refueling.
Fill container no more than 95 percent full to allow for expansion.
Place cap tightly on the container after filling - do not use containers that do not seal properly.
Only store gasoline in approved containers as required by federal or state authorities. Never store gasoline in glass or any other unapproved container.
If gasoline spills on the container, make sure that it has evaporated before you place the container in your vehicle.Report spills to the attendant.
When transporting gasoline in a portable container make sure it is secured against tipping and sliding, and never leave it in direct sunlight or in the trunk of a car.
