Public Warned Not to Use Gasoline in Cleaning Jobs

The Los Angeles Fire Department on Thursday warned the public against using flammables such as gasoline as cleaning solvents because the vapors can be ignited by pilot lights or sparks.

“We’ve had numerous incidents of injuries and deaths in the past year that are directly related to misuse of flammable liquids,” said spokesman Gary Svider. “We feel it is imperative to educate the public about the dangers. Most recently, two people were critically burned in separate incidents.”

A 22-year-old woman suffered second- and third-degree burns over 90% of her body on Monday, he said. The fire began when a water heater pilot light ignited vapors from gasoline she was using to clean the floor, Svider said. About two hours later, a 36-year-old man was using gasoline to clean auto parts in his garage when the vapors ignited, again from a water heater, Svider said. The man’s clothing caught fire, and he suffered second- and third-degree burns over 85% of his body.