Static may be to blame for gas pump fire in Bristow

Fire investigators here in Green Country believe static electricity may have sparked an explosion at a gas pump. <br><br>It happened at a Bristow gas station over the weekend. Officials say a woman was

Wednesday, February 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Fire investigators here in Green Country believe static electricity may have sparked an explosion at a gas pump.

It happened at a Bristow gas station over the weekend. Officials say a woman was filling up her tank at this gas station when it suddenly caught fire. The woman suffered burns over 10% of her body, and is in fair condition. The station is now closed.

The state fire marshal is trying to determine the exact cause, and static electricity hasn't been ruled out. Bristow Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Tunnell, "Static electricity is one of the most prominent things to ignite gasoline and the winter months is most prominent because the air is dry and static electricity is more evidently produced."

Experts say static electricity can build up and ignite without any sparks. They most commonly occur when motorists get in and out of their vehicles at the pump.