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Fuel Storage Fire Safety

Fuel tanks and containers are a normal part of farm work. Storing them thoughtfully reduces fire, spill and exposure risks.

Why does fuel storage need planning?

Fuel gives off vapors and burns readily. A leak, a spill or a fire near storage can spread fast and damage soil and water as well as buildings. Storage is often in place for years, so small design choices matter for a long time.

Rules vary by state and county and by tank size and type. I will not state any numbers. Ask your fire marshal and your state environmental or agriculture agency.

Over time, tanks can corrode, fittings can fail and ground can shift, so periodic inspection is as important as the original installation.

• Vapors burn readily
• Leaks can spread fast
• Soil and water can be contaminated

Where should fuel be stored?

Choose a spot away from buildings, hay, animals and living areas, with good ventilation and access for a fire crew. Avoid low areas where fumes and spills collect, and places near wells or water. Local codes may set required distances.

Keep the area free of weeds, trash and other fuel for fire. Protect tanks from vehicle impact and from weather.

Avoid storing fuel in shared spaces such as barns, workshops or sheds attached to living areas, since a fire there puts people at risk.

• Away from buildings, hay and animals
• Well ventilated, with access for fire crews
• Protected from vehicle impact
• Away from wells and waterways
• Check local code for required distances
• Keep storage clear of dry grass and brush

What containers and tanks are suitable?

Use tanks and containers designed for the fuel and the use, in good condition, with caps and labels. Do not store fuel in food or drink containers. Replace rusted, leaking or damaged containers.

Follow the manufacturer's directions for installation, maintenance and inspection. Many states have rules for tank installation and registration, so check with your state agency.

Replace worn caps, seals and hoses before they fail, and label every container with its contents and the date.

• Check caps, labels and seals
• Replace rusted or leaking containers
• Never use food or drink containers

How do you control ignition sources?

Keep smoking, welding, open flames, hot engines and sparks well away from storage and fueling. Use equipment suited to the area, and ask an electrician about wiring around fuel. Have a no-smoking sign posted.

Fuel vapors can travel to ignition sources some distance away. Ask the fire marshal about proper handling and, if relevant, grounding methods.

Keep the area around storage free of dry grass, brush and debris, which can carry a fire to the tank.

• No smoking signs
• Keep hot engines and sparks away
• Ask about grounding methods

How do you prevent and handle spills?

Check tanks, hoses and fittings regularly for leaks, and fix problems at once. Keep spill materials on hand and know how to use them. Report large spills to the proper authority. Rules about reporting vary, so ask your state environmental agency.

Do not wash fuel into a drain or onto the ground, and dispose of waste as local rules require.

Dispose of old fuel and contaminated rags through your local household or farm hazardous waste program, not in a drain or a burn pile.

• Check tanks, hoses and fittings regularly
• Keep spill materials on hand
• Report large spills as required

What should you have ready for a fire?

Keep suitable extinguishers near but not at the storage, and be sure people know how to use them. If a fire involves fuel, get people away and call 911. Do not try to fight a growing fuel fire.

Give your fire department the location and type of your tanks, and tell them of any changes.

Run a short drill so that everyone knows where the extinguisher is and who calls 911 first.

• Tell the department about tank types and locations
• Update them when tanks change

How do you keep children and visitors safe?

Lock or secure storage where possible, and teach children that fuel is dangerous and not a toy. Brief visitors and new workers on the rules, including no smoking and no open flames.

Keep fuel out of reach, store it in labeled containers, and put the poison control number near the storage. Call poison control or 911 if someone swallows fuel or is exposed.

• Lock or secure storage where possible
• Post no-smoking signs
• Keep the poison control number nearby

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.