Firefighters warn motorists not to store petrol

Published 29 Mar 2012 14:30 2 Comments

FIREFIGHTERS are urging motorists not to store petrol in preparation for a strike because it poses a high fire risk.

The warning from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) comes after the government admitted it made a mistake advising drivers to stock up on petrol in jerry cans in case of a strike by fuel tanker drivers.

There has been scenes of panic buying in some areas, with long queues of motorists waiting at petrol stations.

If a fuel tanker strike was called, seven day's notice would be given.

Olaf Baars, deputy chief fire officer at RBFRS, said: "Petrol is an extremely dangerous, highly flammable, explosive and toxic substance.

"There are laws governing its storage, which require that only very small quantities of petrol are kept in appropriate containers and in a well ventilated, secure building away from your house.

"Our concern is that people may underestimate the dangers and store increased quantities of petrol unsafely, which could lead to devastating fires and even loss of life."

For more information about storing petrol, visit www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm

• Have you seen long queues at petrol stations or are any closed? Let us know at news@bracknellnews.co.uk or leave a comment below.

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This article appeared in Local Berkshire 29 Mar 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  honeybear
  288 posts
  Mar 29, 16:48
  Report comment

  Our wonderful dim witted politians.
  
  No wonder the country is in such a state when it is run by idiots. Why do they not seek professional advice before opening thier mouths..............
  
  Recommend?   Yes 13     No 0

• 

  honeybear
  288 posts
  Mar 30, 16:55
  Report comment

  Now they allow petrol tanker drivers to drive another 2 hours without breaks. Great just wait for the first accident. The police and those wonderful motorway signs advising not to drive will tired and take a break. Great our government disagrees with the experts again.......................
  
  Recommend?   Yes 6     No 0

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