Hoarding gasoline is illegal and dangerous, says Lethbridge Fire & Emergency

Apr 1, 2020 | 12:44 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s fire department has received a few calls in recent weeks about people hoarding and/or improperly storing gasoline.

Chief Fire Marshall Heath Wright says he understands that gasoline is cheap right now, but by doing this, you are putting yourself and others at significant risk.

“Approved gasoline containers are a must and it’s not an option, so, therefore, I’d like to encourage everybody to practice safe storage and handling and transporting of gasoline as it is a very dangerous and fire-ignitable liquid.”

The city’s Fire Prevention Bureau says you can only keep a maximum of 30 litres of gasoline in a garage or shed that is attached to a residence. This does not include fuel in your vehicles.

If you have more than this, you can be fined under the Safety Codes Act. According to Wright, it could also affect your home insurance policy.

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Gas can only be stored in approved containers. Examples of containers that are not in compliance with fire code regulations are large plastic or metal drums, barrels, or small plastic containers like milk or windshield antifreeze jugs.

“There could be difficulties with the storage because gasoline is an abrasive liquid and it can actually cause destruction of the container itself, so it could cause gasoline spillage or any type of contamination that we obviously don’t want.”

If you notice somebody hoarding or improperly storing gasoline, Wright says to report it to the Fire Prevention Bureau by calling 403-320-3811 or 403-320-3800.

Alternatively, emails can be sent to the fire department. A list of contacts can be found here.

by David Opinko