Gas station fire statistics at a glance: U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 4,150 fires at gas and service stations each year, causing about 3 deaths, 43 injuries and $30 million in property damage (NFPA). Station fires fell from 7,860 in 1980 to 4,370 in 2018. The leading cause is electrical distribution and lighting equipment (21%), followed by cooking (19%).
Data sources: NFPA service station fire data (NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA Fire Experience Survey); Petroleum Equipment Institute refueling fire incident list.
Gas stations are familiar across the United States, with the NACS reporting more than 145,000 fueling stations nationwide. Notably, 127,588 of these stations also operate as convenience stores.
Despite their prevalence, these stations are not without their dangers. NFPA data shows:
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From 2014 to 2018, fire departments responded to an average of 4,150 gas station fires each year.
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These fires caused an average of 3 deaths and 43 injuries annually.
- Property damage from these fires averaged $30 million each year.
This post will explore the data surrounding gas station fires, underlining the critical nature of safety measures in these common yet potentially dangerous locations.
Fires in Gas Stations by Year
Gas and service station fires fell by almost half between 1980 and 2018, from 7,860 to 4,370 a year, according to NFPA.
The NFPA reports that from 1980 to 2018, the incidence of fires in gas and service stations has seen a significant decrease. In 1980, there were 7,860 fires reported on these properties. By 2018, this number had almost halved to 4,370.
The reduction in fires also correlates with a decrease in associated injuries. Data from 1980 indicates there were over 100 injuries resulting from these fires, a stark contrast to the 44 reported in 2018.
Furthermore, the financial impact of these fires in terms of direct property damage has also lessened. Costs have dropped from $37 million in 1980 to $21 million in 2018, demonstrating improvements across the board in fire safety and prevention at gas and service stations.
What Causes Most Gas Station Fires?
The leading cause of gas station fires is electrical distribution and lighting equipment (21%), followed by cooking (19%), heating equipment (10%) and intentional fires (10%).
According to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Experience Surveys, the primary causes of gas station fires are as follows:
- Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment: 21%
- Cooking: 19%
- Heating Equipment: 10%
- Intentional: 10%
- Smoking Materials: 8%
- Fans or Air Conditioning: 7%
- Shop Tools and Industrial Equipment: 5%
- Exposure: 4%
It’s crucial to highlight that a significant number of gas station fires are non-confined. The NFIRS 5.0 and NFPA’s Fire Experience Survey provide detailed statistics in their table of causes of ignition.
Source: NFPA
This data reveals that 59% of all reported fires at gas stations are non-confined, underscoring the potentially deadly impact of such fires. Because many stations also run convenience stores, see our fire protection for retail and convenience stores.
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire inspects and tags the portable fire extinguishers fuel stations are required to keep, and services the hood suppression systems in convenience-store kitchens. Call (713) 223-9181 or see commercial fire extinguisher service in Houston.
Do Cars Explode While Pumping Gas?
Refueling fires are rare. As of its March 2010 report, the Petroleum Equipment Institute had documented 176 refueling fires that appeared to be caused by static electricity, and it has not documented a single fire caused by a cell phone. Most static fires happen when a driver gets back into the vehicle during refueling, then touches the nozzle.
Gas Station Fire Risk Assessment
A Journal of Occupational Health study of 47 gasoline stations outside the U.S. found an intolerable fire risk within 1.5 meters of the dispensers at 85.1% of the stations studied. The study encompassed 47 gasoline stations and yielded some concerning findings:
- On average, each station was equipped with 23 ± 12 nozzles, and notably, none of the stations implemented vapor recovery systems (VRS) on their dispenser nozzles.
- An average of 10 ± 5 employees operated at each station, all working within a 1.5-meter radius of the dispenser nozzles, a zone referred to as FHZ-I (Fire Hazard Zone I).
- Workers were found to use their cell phones for more than four hours daily while in close proximity to the dispensers.
- Measurements of flammable gas levels ranged from 1.3% to 7.4% LEL-UEL (Lower Explosive Limit – Upper Explosive Limit), with an average of 6.2% ± 5.2%.
The study’s risk assessment concluded that there was an intolerable risk of fire in FHZ-I at 85.1% (40 stations) and in FHZ-II at 21.3% (10 stations). Furthermore, 18 stations were identified as having a substantial risk, while 19 faced a moderate risk in FHZ-II.
Are Gas Stations Getting Safer?
Yes, U.S. gas station fires, injuries and property losses have all fallen since 1980, although electrical and cooking fires in attached convenience stores remain the biggest risks.
The data underscores the persistent fire hazards at gas stations despite advancements in safety measures. It showcases:
- Significant reduction in fires from 1980 to 2018
- Decreased injuries and financial losses over time
- Importance of ongoing vigilance and safety protocol adherence
In conclusion, with sustained efforts in safety practices and technology, we can continue minimizing fire risks at gas stations safeguarding communities and properties.
Talk to a Houston fire-protection pro. Industrial Fire inspects and tags the portable fire extinguishers fuel stations are required to keep, and services the hood suppression systems in convenience-store kitchens. Call (713) 223-9181 or see commercial fire extinguisher service in Houston.
Gas Station Fire FAQs
Do gas stations explode?
Gas station explosions are extremely rare. NFPA data shows most station fires start in electrical equipment (21%) or cooking equipment (19%) rather than at the fuel dispensers, and the Petroleum Equipment Institute documented 176 static-related refueling fires as of its 2010 report.
How many gas station fires happen each year?
U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 4,150 fires at gas and service stations each year, according to NFPA. These fires cause about 3 deaths, 43 injuries and $30 million in direct property damage annually.
What is the most common cause of gas station fires?
Electrical distribution and lighting equipment is the most common cause of gas station fires at 21%, followed by cooking at 19%. Many U.S. stations are also convenience stores, which is why cooking ranks so high.
Can a cell phone cause a fire at a gas pump?
The Petroleum Equipment Institute has not documented a single refueling fire caused by a cell phone. The documented ignition source is static electricity, typically from a driver getting back into the vehicle and then touching the nozzle.
