“A National Emergency in the Making”: Fire Service Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Fuel Hoarding
By: Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — As the local fuel distribution network works to recover from recent shipment delays, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has issued an urgent public advisory to combat a dangerous new trend: the stockpiling of gasoline in residential homes. Warning that improper storage could turn a “national inconvenience into a deadly disaster,” fire officials are calling for an immediate end to the use of unapproved containers for petroleum storage.
The warning follows reports of citizens being seen at gas stations filling soda bottles, glass jars, and plastic water jugs—containers that are chemically incompatible with gasoline.
The “Unsuitable Container” Risk
The Fire Service emphasized that gasoline is a highly volatile substance that requires specialized containment to prevent the buildup of explosive vapors.
- Rupture & Ignition: Common household plastics (like those used for drink bottles) can be dissolved by gasoline or become brittle and rupture, leading to leaks that can ignite from a single spark or static discharge.
- Approved Vessels: Under international safety standards, fuel must be stored only in UL-listed metal safety cans with flame arresters, or in certified high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers specifically designed for fuel.
- Labeling: All containers must be clearly labeled, leak-proof, and kept securely sealed at all times.
The Five-Gallon Limit
To ensure public safety, the GFS has reminded citizens of the legal limits regarding domestic fuel storage:
- Domestic Cap: Households are strictly prohibited from storing more than five gallons (approx. 20 liters) of fuel without explicit written approval.
- Mandatory Inspections: Anyone seeking to store quantities exceeding five gallons must apply to the Fire Prevention Department. This process involves a formal inspection of the storage site to ensure it meets ventilation and fire suppression requirements.
- Storage Environment: Fuel must be kept in cool, well-ventilated areas away from living quarters, open flames (including pilot lights and stoves), and out of the reach of children.
Prioritizing Safety Over Panic
While the government has assured that multiple fuel shipments are currently discharging at Georgetown ports, the Fire Service is urging motorists to remain calm and act responsibly. Stockpiling fuel in living spaces creates a “ticking time bomb” for families and neighbors. As the distribution bottleneck clears over the next 48 hours, the GFS is asking the public to prioritize their lives over the temporary convenience of an extra few gallons of gas.
