Cunningham Law Firm
GAS CAN EXPLOSION
The Hidden Danger of Gas Cans.
Gasoline doesn’t explode—its vapors do. That’s the hidden danger behind millions of portable gas cans still in use today. As gasoline ages, its invisible fumes become more volatile, making ignition far more likely—and far more violent. And if there’s nothing to stop it, the container may unexpectedly explode.
This isn’t new science. Since the earliest fuel containers were patented over a century ago, engineers have understood this risk. That’s why they included a simple safety device known as a flame screen, or flame arrestor, to prevent the external ignition of vapors inside the can. A single spark or ember can ignite vapors which travel back into the container triggering a catastrophic explosion.
Today, federal regulations mandate flame arrestors on all newly manufactured gas cans. But for decades, gasoline containers were sold without this basic safety feature. Despite the fact that flame screens are a century-old, proven technology. Despite knowing the science. Despite knowing the risks. Despite internal documents, lawsuits, injuries and deaths. These older, defective gas cans remain in circulation, and hundreds of people are burned or severely injured every year as a result.
Gas can manufacturers have refused to recall these products. Families are left to deal with devastating medical costs, lost income, and long-term trauma—all from an injury that could have been prevented with a low cost safety feature.
At The Cunningham Law Firm, we hold negligent gas can manufacturers accountable. If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury from an exploding gas can, contact us today. Our legal team has extensive experience in product liability claims and has helped countless clients secure justice and compensation.
The Hidden Danger of Gas Cans.
Gasoline doesn’t explode—its vapors do. That’s the hidden danger behind millions of portable gas cans still in use today. As gasoline ages, its invisible fumes become more volatile, making ignition far more likely—and far more violent. And if there’s nothing to stop it, the container may unexpectedly explode.
This isn’t new science. Since the earliest fuel containers were patented over a century ago, engineers have understood this risk. That’s why they included a simple safety device known as a flame screen, or flame arrestor, to prevent the external ignition of vapors inside the can. A single spark or ember can ignite vapors which travel back into the container triggering a catastrophic explosion.
Today, federal regulations mandate flame arrestors on all newly manufactured gas cans. But for decades, gasoline containers were sold without this basic safety feature. Despite the fact that flame screens are a century-old, proven technology. Despite knowing the science. Despite knowing the risks. Despite internal documents, lawsuits, injuries and deaths. These older, defective gas cans remain in circulation, and hundreds of people are burned or severely injured every year as a result.
Gas can manufacturers have refused to recall these products. Families are left to deal with devastating medical costs, lost income, and long-term trauma—all from an injury that could have been prevented with a low cost safety feature.
At The Cunningham Law Firm, we hold negligent gas can manufacturers accountable. If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury from an exploding gas can, contact us today. Our legal team has extensive experience in product liability claims and has helped countless clients secure justice and compensation.