Updated with video; Gel fuel can become a fire hazard if used improperly.
NFPA sends out warning for Fuel Gel.
/ Jessica Fairley
ALBANY, GA. -- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is releasing a warning about gel fuel, a household product that many people use.
It can be used to keep chafing dishes warm, light up fireplaces and patio torches, but the NFPA says the fuel used to create a cozy environment can easy escalate into a dangerous situation.
When sitting on a porch an object like a fire pot can be seen as pure decoration but to officials it's a fire hazard.
“If it were lit, you would have to kind of wave your hand under it to see condensation coming off the pots or pans. That's the only way that you would know it was lit,” said River Front BBQ owner and Caterer Dale Saunders.
Officials say in this situation, it's the not knowing that could harm you. They say although the pots may appear to be without fire, often times it's still there, and one wrong move could prove costly.
“If you go to add fuel in your fire pot, it may flash and the pot may explode,” said Albany Fire Department Deputy Chief Ron Rowe.
The explosion may leave victims with burns or even set them on fire and if this happens authorities say traditional methods of extinguishing the flames won't work.
“Our typical stop, drop and roll may not work in this situation because it's like a gel on your body. It's going to take some type of chemical extinguisher to put it out,” said Firefighter Ron Rowe.
The fuel gel acts like a napalm, sticking to the skin. Saunders says as a safety precaution his catering service uses fire pots that have a wick. He says, by doing this, he is able to see the flames, knowing to stay back. If a situation were to arise, officials say forward thinking would be the safest bet.
“Anytime you're dealing with any kind of fuel product you need to have a fire extinguisher handy,” said Rowe.
He says people who purchase items that call for gel fuel need to realize what they have and make sure to use all safety precautions.
A list of gel fuel safety tips can be found at www.nfpa.org.
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