The air arriving tonight is going to be drier than any we've seen this winter or even last winter. With dry air comes low humidity and with low humidity sometimes comes gas station fires/explosions like the one in the link below. The reason is static electricity is higher when the air is dry. A spark from static electricity can start a fire.
Three quick refueling rules from the Petroleum Equipment Institute
1. Turn off engine.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Never re-enter your vehicle while refueling.
The Institute also adds on its website that cell phones do NOT cause fires at the pump.
So far, we have been unable to document any incidents that were sparked by a cellular telephone. In fact, many researchers have tried to ignite fuel vapors with a cell phone and failed.
So, bundle up for the cold and STAY IN THE COLD while you fuel your car. Especially with dry arctic air arrives!
-Andrew Freiden
