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There has been a steady decline in the average number of gasoline fires in homes each year since
1980 when there were 15,000 fires.
Facts & Figures*
In 1998, there were 4,700 gasoline fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 86 deaths, 463 injuries and $92
million in direct property damage.
53% of home gasoline fires each year between 1994 and 1998 were categorized as incendiary or
suspicious. Three-quarters of civilian injuries resulted from unintentional causes such as: fuel spills or
releases; using gasoline to wash parts, clean or refinish; gasoline too close to a heat source; children
playing; improper storage; using gasoline to kindle a fire; and improper fueling technique.
Matches were the most common ignition source in home gasoline fires.
* From NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Forms and Types of Materials First Ignited in Fires,
December 2001.
Safety Tips:
Keep gasoline out of children's sight and reach. Children should never handle gasoline.
If fire does start while handling gasoline, do not attempt to extinguish the fire or stop the flow of
gasoline. Leave the area immediately, and call for help.
Do not use or store gasoline near possible ignition sources (i.e., electrical devices, oil- or gas-fired
appliances, or any other device that contains a pilot flame or a spark).
Store gasoline outside the home (i.e., in a garage or lawn shed) in a tightly closed metal or plastic
container approved by an independent testing laboratory or the local or state fire authorities. Never
store gasoline in glass containers or non-reusable plastic containers (i.e., milk jugs).
Store only enough gasoline necessary to power equipment and let machinery cool before refueling it.
Never use gasoline inside the home or as a cleaning agent.
Clean up spills promptly and discard clean-up materials properly.
Do not smoke when handling gasoline.
Never use gasoline in place of kerosene.
Use caution when fueling automobiles. Do not get in and out of the automobile when fueling. Although
rare, an electrical charge on your body could spark a fire, especially during the dry winter months.
Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Place the container on the ground before filling and
never fill containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pick-up truck.
Follow all manufacturers instructions when using electronic devices (those with batteries or
connected to an electrical outlet) near gasoline.
For more information on gasoline safety, visit the American Petroleum Institute and the Petroleum
Equipment Institute Web sites.
1980 when there were 15,000 fires.
Facts & Figures*
In 1998, there were 4,700 gasoline fires in U.S. homes, resulting in 86 deaths, 463 injuries and $92
million in direct property damage.
53% of home gasoline fires each year between 1994 and 1998 were categorized as incendiary or
suspicious. Three-quarters of civilian injuries resulted from unintentional causes such as: fuel spills or
releases; using gasoline to wash parts, clean or refinish; gasoline too close to a heat source; children
playing; improper storage; using gasoline to kindle a fire; and improper fueling technique.
Matches were the most common ignition source in home gasoline fires.
* From NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Forms and Types of Materials First Ignited in Fires,
December 2001.
Safety Tips:
Keep gasoline out of children's sight and reach. Children should never handle gasoline.
If fire does start while handling gasoline, do not attempt to extinguish the fire or stop the flow of
gasoline. Leave the area immediately, and call for help.
Do not use or store gasoline near possible ignition sources (i.e., electrical devices, oil- or gas-fired
appliances, or any other device that contains a pilot flame or a spark).
Store gasoline outside the home (i.e., in a garage or lawn shed) in a tightly closed metal or plastic
container approved by an independent testing laboratory or the local or state fire authorities. Never
store gasoline in glass containers or non-reusable plastic containers (i.e., milk jugs).
Store only enough gasoline necessary to power equipment and let machinery cool before refueling it.
Never use gasoline inside the home or as a cleaning agent.
Clean up spills promptly and discard clean-up materials properly.
Do not smoke when handling gasoline.
Never use gasoline in place of kerosene.
Use caution when fueling automobiles. Do not get in and out of the automobile when fueling. Although
rare, an electrical charge on your body could spark a fire, especially during the dry winter months.
Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Place the container on the ground before filling and
never fill containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a pick-up truck.
Follow all manufacturers instructions when using electronic devices (those with batteries or
connected to an electrical outlet) near gasoline.
For more information on gasoline safety, visit the American Petroleum Institute and the Petroleum
Equipment Institute Web sites.