Dorset firefighters warn hoarding fuel could be a fire risk
They've had reports plastic bottles and Tupperware are being used at pumps
Last updated 28th Sep 2021
Dorset's firefighters say hoarding fuel could create a fire risk in your home, if it's not properly stored.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue say they've had reports people are using unsuitable containers at petrol pumps like plastic bottles and Tupperware.
Emergency services including firefighters and paramedics are also reassuring us they're not about to run out of fuel.
South Western Ambulance and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue both told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset they aren't currently experiencing problems getting fuel.
Seth Why is an Area Manager for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue. He said:
"Our advice is that there is no need to store petrol or diesel, particularly with petrol as a high explosive risk. It's heavier than air and even just a lean mixture in the air can cause a flashover if a light switch were switched on for example.
"I appreciate that there will be people out there who store a bit of petrol for their lawnmower and as long as they keep it in a well-ventilated area free from ignition and handle it carefully... those are the sorts of limits we think people should be storing."
Is there enough fuel for emergencies?
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue are assuring us there is. They have some of their own stocks of fuel and they're confident that, combined with what they're able to get at pumps, they've got two months of stable service.
Seth added:
"We have good fuel stocks. We have enough fuel for something like 6 to 8 weeks for our fleet of 50 fire engines.
"We're used to working for extended periods. Fires like the Wareham Forest fire where we have fire engines in the middle of nowhere. So we're used to moving fuel around to keep our fire engines available for the public, should they require them."
South Western Ambulance told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset fuel supply issues aren't currently affecting them.