Man Arrested for Lighting Lighter at Gas Station While Pumping Fuel

A 38-year-old man was taken into custody Sunday after he pulled out a lighter and ignited it while filling his vehicle with gasoline at a station in Prince George’s County, Maryland, according to local police. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. at a Shell station on Central Avenue, could have easily triggered a massive fire or explosion, authorities said.

The man, whose name has not been released pending charges, was accompanied by a 32-year-old male associate. Witnesses reported seeing the pair arguing near the pump before the suspect produced the lighter. Police arrived minutes later and detained both individuals without incident. The suspect is expected to face charges of reckless endangerment and attempted arson.

“This is one of the most dangerous things you can do at a gas station,” said Captain James Reilly of the Prince George’s County Fire Department. “A single spark from a lighter can ignite gasoline vapors in milliseconds, leading to a flash fire that could kill or injure everyone nearby.”

Gasoline vapor is highly flammable, and static electricity alone has been known to cause fires at pumps. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that roughly 4,000 gas station fires occur each year in the United States, with about 20% linked to open flames or smoking. “Lighting a lighter near a fuel nozzle is essentially playing with a bomb,” added Dr. Elaine Marquez, a fire safety researcher at the University of Maryland.

The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of no-smoking and no-open-flame rules at gas stations. While most stations post clear warnings, compliance is often overlooked. “We see people vaping, using lighters, even grilling near pumps,” said Ahmed Khan, owner of a nearby gas station. “It’s terrifying. One mistake and you lose everything.”

Police are also investigating whether the man intended to harm himself or others. Surveillance footage shows the suspect holding the lighter for about 10 seconds before extinguishing it and walking away. No charges have been filed against the associate, who told officers he was trying to calm the suspect down.

The case is being reviewed by the state’s attorney’s office, which may add additional charges if the act is deemed intentional. “This could have been a mass casualty event,” said Chief Deputy Mark Torres. “We’re grateful no one was hurt, but we’re taking this extremely seriously.”

Experts urge drivers to never use lighters, matches, or e-cigarettes near fuel pumps. If you smell gasoline, exit the vehicle immediately and alert station staff. In the event of a fire, do not attempt to remove the nozzle — leave the area and call 911.

The suspect is currently being held at the county detention center on a $50,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The gas station reopened Monday after a thorough inspection and cleanup.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the invisible dangers present at every fuel pump. As one firefighter put it: “A moment of stupidity can cost lives. Obey the signs. Don’t be that person.”