Credit: Patrick Grego
A quick response from the Stanford Fire Company prevented a potential disaster after a gas station pump caught fire on June 4. According to Aaron Hicks, a state police spokesperson, the fire started when a driver accidentally left the fuel nozzle in their vehicle before driving away, rupturing the hose and igniting leaking fuel.
The fire at the Gulf gas station at 5886 State Route 82 in Stanfordville started around 4:40 p.m. and was extinguished by 4:52 p.m. by the Stanford Fire Company.
Credit: Patrick Grego
The driver, who stopped their vehicle on the road after driving away, was not injured, and the vehicle was not damaged, reported Hicks. The police did not reveal the driver’s name.
The quick action of gas station employee Charan Velma, who cut the flow of fuel and called 911, helped confine the fire to the pump, said Ed Cerul, chief of the volunteer Stanford Fire Company.
Town Supervisor Wendy Burton expressed her gratitude, stating, “I want to give a huge thank you to the Stanford Fire Company for responding so quickly. It could have been a lot worse.”
A large fuel tanker was delivering gasoline to the station when the fire began. Witnesses reported that the driver immediately disconnected the tanker and left the area. “The gas delivery guy was here, but he reacted quickly and left,” said Velma. “He’s smart!” The swift actions of the station’s staff, the volunteer fire department, and the gas delivery driver ensured that what could have been a more significant incident was contained.
Credit: Patrick Grego
“The main thing for people to be aware of is to make sure the pump is stowed correctly when they are done,” said Cerul. “We had backup available from East Clinton and Pine Plains, who were already on their way and ready to help us out. We’re very thankful for their support.”
Two pumps at the gas station remained cordoned off with caution tape on Thursday afternoon. The market is open for business, but according to the store’s manager, gasoline service could be suspended for months.