Unwise to fill up while cell phoning

Internet stories regarding three incidents of alleged fires caused by cell phone use at gas pumps have caused many Americans to take extra caution while filling up.

A representative at Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station recently said the department has received a warning from Shell Oil Company regarding the three separate incidents.

But according to American Petroleum Institute media relations representative Susan L. Hahn, the stories are false.

"The e-mail warning floating around cyberspace of the three incidents at certain service stations (that was) supposedly originated by someone working at a refinery from a different company is completely bogus," Hahn said.

One report claimed that a cell phone was placed on the vehicle’s trunk lid during the fueling process ––and when the phone rang, flames ignited and destroyed the vehicle and the pump.

A second report alleged a similar incident in which a victim got a cell phone call while pumping fuel that caused an explosion. The victim allegedly sustained severe burns to his face.

In the third report, someone was fueling his vehicle when the cell phone in his pocket rang, and flames ignited and burned the man’s thigh and groin.

"It is true that many gas stations are posting warnings about avoiding cell phones because some cell phone manufacturers have such warnings in their equipment," Hahn said. It’s highly unlikely that cell phones, she said, caused gasoline fires at fuel pumps.

According to Brian Humphrey, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, "In a cursory review of recent fires in the city of Los Angeles–in the last 10 years or so–I can find no cell phone attributable to a fire in a service station or elsewhere that has caused loss of life or great bodily injury."

Taking extra precautions, however, is never a bad idea, Hahn said.

"The bottom line is that when you’re handling motor fuel, you should be very careful. And safe fuel handling requires your full attention during the average two minutes it takes to refuel," Hahn said.

And motorists who pump their own gas and return to their vehicle interiors while waiting are endangering themselves, Hahn said.

Refilling one-gallon gasoline cans in the bed of pickups or in the trunks of cars is also dangerous, according to Hahn.

When the air is dry, Hahn said, static electricity can easily spark a fire. Gasoline containers should always be placed on the ground, she said, while they’re being filled.

"Pump safety is very important," Hahn said. "So don’t be distracted by other activities while refueling."

—Michael Picarella