And more "people are stupid". Couple stockpiles gasoline...in their apartment.

[Manedwolf]

With predictable results.

Couple Stockpiling Gas Blamed for Apartment Blaze

Friday , June 06, 2008

AP

DARTMOUTH, Mass 
Authorities say a couple trying to beat the high cost of gasoline accidentally caused a fire that burned their apartment complex.

Fire Chief Richard Arruda says the couple had about 45 gallons of gasoline in nine plastic jugs stacked in a closet that also housed an air conditioning unit.

The gasoline fumes apparently set off Thursday's fire, which was quickly put out by a sprinkler system.

No one was seriously hurt, but residents of eight units of the complex were displaced.

Investigators believe the couple was storing the gas because of rising prices. Officials say they might face civil penalties for violating the fire code.

[Firethorn]

Well, I'll admit to thinking about it, but I was planning on getting a diesel vehicle, and set up the tank fairly close to the pre-existing propane one in my yard.

Besides, at 500-1000 gallons, I should be able to get a minor discount.  Heck, I'd be the only source of gas in 30 miles, so I might be able to make a profit* on it.

*Have to be careful that I don't get considered a business and have to deal with all that crud.  Maybe simply state that I charge current pump price downtown/what it cost me as a favor for those that get caught without enough fuel to get to an actual station.

[Manedwolf]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement, and it's safe. If you put a gasoline tank in your basement, your house would likely explode. See also "volatility", "vapor", and "FAE".

[HankB]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement,

Some time back, a neighbor had a Mercedes 220D. He said it ran just fine on heating oil . . . which was at that time significantly cheaper than diesel, thanks to a lack of fuel taxes.

Locally, as I write this, regular gas is around $3.85, diesel is $4.50 . . . no idea what heating oil is.

[MicroBalrog]

Weren't there safe ways to keep gasoline in large amounts?

[Manedwolf]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement,

Some time back, a neighbor had a Mercedes 220D. He said it ran just fine on heating oil . . . which was at that time significantly cheaper than diesel, thanks to a lack of fuel taxes.

Locally, as I write this, regular gas is around $3.85, diesel is $4.50 . . . no idea what heating oil is.

AFAIK, you can be rather severely fined for doing that if caught. Something like a fine in the thousands of dollars, plus an IRS audit.

[MicroBalrog]

Some cars can be made to run on vegetable oil. THe stuff you cook with.

[charby]

Weren't there safe ways to keep gasoline in large amounts?

Outdoor storage tanks. A friend of mine buys his off a bulk truck and has the tanks out behind his storage shed.

[Firethorn]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement, and it's safe. If you put a gasoline tank in your basement, your house would likely explode. See also "volatility", "vapor", and "FAE".

Thus the 'buts'...

An exterior tank is far safer than makeshift ones in a house, especially for something as volatile as gasoline.  Diesel is safer in most situations.  Yes, given my location I'm considering a tank, but theft is a potential issue.

Oh and if I set up a tank like that I'd also look into a good lightning protection system.

[The Annoyed Man]

Weren't there safe ways to keep gasoline in large amounts?

In a well ventilated area where the temperature doesn't vary much, and where there are no sparks.

[Manedwolf]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement, and it's safe. If you put a gasoline tank in your basement, your house would likely explode. See also "volatility", "vapor", and "FAE".

Thus the 'buts'...

An exterior tank is far safer than makeshift ones in a house, especially for something as volatile as gasoline.  Diesel is safer in most situations.  Yes, given my location I'm considering a tank, but theft is a potential issue.

Oh and if I set up a tank like that I'd also look into a good lightning protection system.

No, you can not put gasoline in a house, EVER. It's just not an option unless you're suicidal. Outdoor elevated tanks or vented below ground tanks are the only way to store gasoline. Even putting a can of gas in a house is stupid. Only in a detached shed where it doesn't get too hot.

[Tallpine]

And just think ... anybody can go buy gas without even a background check 

[Firethorn]

No, you can not put gasoline in a house, EVER. It's just not an option unless you're suicidal.

I should of said 'tank such as the one pictured above'.  The elevated one.  I wasn't trying to give the impression that I'd have a tank of gasoline inside.  Nope, no way.

See the remarks like 'fairly close to the pre-existing propane one' and having a lightning protection system - only necessary if it's outside.

[Mabs2]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement,

Some time back, a neighbor had a Mercedes 220D. He said it ran just fine on heating oil . . . which was at that time significantly cheaper than diesel, thanks to a lack of fuel taxes.

Locally, as I write this, regular gas is around $3.85, diesel is $4.50 . . . no idea what heating oil is.

Pro-tip:  They're the exact same thing, but one (I forget which) has a colored dye in it.  If you get caught driving with a liquid of the wrong color, as Maned said, BIG fines.

[The Annoyed Man]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement,

Some time back, a neighbor had a Mercedes 220D. He said it ran just fine on heating oil . . . which was at that time significantly cheaper than diesel, thanks to a lack of fuel taxes.

Locally, as I write this, regular gas is around $3.85, diesel is $4.50 . . . no idea what heating oil is.

AFAIK, you can be rather severely fined for doing that if caught. Something like a fine in the thousands of dollars, plus an IRS audit.

You can be fined for anything at all these days. Just refuse to pay.

[Firethorn]

Pro-tip:  They're the exact same thing, but one (I forget which) has a colored dye in it.  If you get caught driving with a liquid of the wrong color, as Maned said, BIG fines.

That would be the heating oil.  Along with 'off road' diesel and gasoline.

Oh, and from my understanding, while the heating oil will work in most diesels, it doesn't necessarily have the detergents/lubricants of engine diesel, so it might affect the long term wear of the engine.

[Manedwolf]

Diesel is not gasoline. People have heating oil tanks in their basement,

Some time back, a neighbor had a Mercedes 220D. He said it ran just fine on heating oil . . . which was at that time significantly cheaper than diesel, thanks to a lack of fuel taxes.

Locally, as I write this, regular gas is around $3.85, diesel is $4.50 . . . no idea what heating oil is.

AFAIK, you can be rather severely fined for doing that if caught. Something like a fine in the thousands of dollars, plus an IRS audit.

You can be fined for anything at all these days. Just refuse to pay.

You will get a fine and an IRS audit. If you ignore the audit, you will go to jail and assets will be seized.

[Declaration Day]

Pro-tip:  They're the exact same thing, but one (I forget which) has a colored dye in it.  If you get caught driving with a liquid of the wrong color, as Maned said, BIG fines.

You're not likely to get caught if you use it for a diesel personal vehicle.  Semi trucks are a different story, as the contents of their fuel tanks are periodically inspected by DOT.

[Tallpine]

You're not likely to get caught if you use it for a diesel personal vehicle.

Our neighbors said that they have been stopped for a spot check in their Dodges 

Personally, I think there is some sort of constitutional amendment (#4 comes to mind) against searching without probable cause, but what the heck do I know .... 

[Perd Hapley]

No, you can not put gasoline in a house, EVER. It's just not an option unless you're suicidal. Outdoor elevated tanks or vented below ground tanks are the only way to store gasoline. Even putting a can of gas in a house is stupid. Only in a detached shed where it doesn't get too hot.

Then what are these for? 



The place where I work has a shop in the basement, with a special room for storing gasoline and diesel.  Block walls, metal door.  Don't know if that meets code, or anything.  It's at least a couple of decades old. 

[Manedwolf]

No, you can not put gasoline in a house, EVER. It's just not an option unless you're suicidal. Outdoor elevated tanks or vented below ground tanks are the only way to store gasoline. Even putting a can of gas in a house is stupid. Only in a detached shed where it doesn't get too hot.

Then what are these for? 



The place where I work has a shop in the basement, with a special room for storing gasoline and diesel.  Block walls, metal door.  Don't know if that meets code, or anything.  It's at least a couple of decades old. 

Storage of flammable liquids in a commercial or industrial building with adequate fume ventilation systems, or in an outbuilding like a barn or garage. Those are still sold and used. I believe you'd be severely violating fire code if you put that in a residence.

[Perd Hapley]

Yeah, that distinction would make sense.  Now, when I was a kid, we had the oxygen tank right next to the acetylene, in the basement.      Fortunately, Dad put up an auto repair shop on his property, and they're in there, now.