Nov 6, 2009 5:16 pm US/Eastern
New Information Out In Fatal Gas Station Fire
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a deadly fire at a Frederick gas station.
CBS
There is new information about a deadly fire at a gas station in Frederick earlier this week.
Mike Schuh reports state fire investigators have ruled out two of three main reasons why there are fires at gas pumps, and they're urging motorists to follow some common sense rules.
Filling up is so commonplace, just trying to remember any of the details from your last visit may seem like a task.
"But most of the time, don't think about it -- everyday occurrence," said Mike Button.
But the everyday ritual was deadly in Frederick. The fire killed 26-year-old Ainsley Gordon and has put a scary twist on an otherwise forgettable act.
"That seems like a freak accident to me," said Jeff Queen.
There are cameras at that station that caught part of what happened. Investigators aren't releasing the video of the accident, but such fires aren't unheard of.
A similar fire happened in Texas. The victim running through flames caught himself on fire.
The state fire marshal says the Frederick station's pumps checked out fine, the victim didn't smoke and his SUV was turned off which leaves static electricity as suspect.
"Hopefully we'll have something to release soon," said Joe Zurolo, Md. Fire Marshal.
A perfect example of static electricity catching the fumes on fire is how one woman, while adjusting her clothing, created static electricity. When she touched a nozzle, it drew sparks. She escaped serious injury.
In another case, static electricity ignited fumes from a gas can destroying a pick-up truck. It's an example of why you should always take your gas cans out of your car or truck and place them on the ground.
It doesn't take much, just some fumes pouring out of the can.
Zurolo tells
WJZ if there's going to be a spark, you want that to happen before you touch the nozzle with fumes coming out. Drivers should also turn off their car and minimize static electricity.
"The way my father taught me, stop truck and don't get in and out because of static," said Queen.
Investigators are withholding release of the surveillance video which shows Gordon on fire, running into the gas station.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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