Action sheet — Before the fire
Securing gas cylinders and flammable products
A gas cylinder heated by a hedge fire can burst into flames or explode — and this is the first thing the fire brigade looks for when they arrive. Where to put them, how to mark them, and what to do with petrol, solvents and barbecue gas cylinders.
Key points
- Bottles: in a well-ventilated, enclosed, permanent structure; or, failing that, away from building walls, stored upright and in the shade.
- Report them: a clearly visible symbol helps the emergency services to secure the area.
- Petrol, white spirit, alcohol: store in a cupboard or locked room; never leave them in direct sunlight in the garden shed.
- If a fire is approaching: close the valve; move the cylinders away if time permits, WITHOUT putting yourself at risk.
Equipment: ventilated room or cabinet · ‘gas’ pictogram · retaining chain (cylinders in an upright position)
Why it’s important
A propane or butane cylinder exposed to intense heat builds up pressure: the valve releases a fiery jet several metres long, and in the worst-case scenario the cylinder explodes (BLEVE), sending debris flying tens of metres away. For emergency services, a cylinder whose location is unknown turns the defence of a house into a high-risk operation — many prefer to stand down. A tank, on the other hand, is designed to withstand such conditions, provided that its the surrounding areas are cleared of undergrowth and its accessible valve.
How to do it, step by step
Make a list of everything that burns brightly
Gas bottles (for cooking, barbecues, patio heaters and weed burners), petrol jerrycans, solvents, paints, and Camping Gaz bottles left in the garage.
Give them proper storage
A closed room, VENTILATED at the top and bottom (as gas is heavier than air), in the shade, with a level floor, and with cylinders stored upright and secured. Alternatively: a ventilated metal storage box placed away from the building’s external walls.
Report the location
A ‘gas cylinders’ sign on the door of the storage room and, for detached houses, a sign visible from the fire brigade access point. In highly exposed areas, please also notify the local council of your gas tank.
Treat the tank as a sensitive area
The area around the valve has been cleared of undergrowth for 5 metres; the valve is unobstructed and can be operated; there is no combustible material stored against it. This is a requirement of the supply contracts — and common sense.
Practise the ‘fire approach’ reflex
Closing the valves is part of the lockdown. Move bottles away from the building facades: only if the fire is still some distance away. Otherwise, leave them where they are and alert the emergency services when they arrive.
The mistakes that ruin everything
- The ‘barbecue’ bottle that lives under the awning, against the bay window.
- Store in a horizontal position: a leak in the liquid phase is far more dangerous.
- The garden shed in full sun, with petrol, gas and white spirit at 60 °C under the metal roofing.
- Going to move the bottles when the sparks are already flying — too late, we’re in lockdown.
The tip that makes all the difference
Take your empty or old gas bottles (rusty Camping-Gaz bottles, orphaned bottles) to a retailer: they’ll take them back free of charge, even if there’s no deposit — one less hazard at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
The risk changes every day. So do your reflexes.
Check the fire alert status for your department, keep track of current fires and report a fire via the Feux de Forêt mobile app.