Fuel Station Fire on Central Coast, Feb. 25

Newport Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fuel station pump on fire this evening at 6:35 PM. The fire was reported to be at a fuel station on the corner of NE 3rd and Harney. Initial reports stated that one person had sustained burn injuries. The first arriving engine found a small fuel fire next to the pump. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the fuel station emergency shutoff was activated. One patient was found to have sustained injuries as a result of the fire. The patient was treated on scene and transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital. The fuel station was turned over to a company representative. Newport Fire Department responded with 2 fire engines, a command vehicle, and 13 personnel. Pacific West Ambulance and the Newport Police Department assisted on scene. Witness accounts and an investigation on scene determined the cause of the fire to be smoking while fueling a gasoline powered vehicle. Newport Fire Department would like to remind the public to never smoke while fueling a vehicle or around any combustible or flammable liquids. Any ignition source, including cigarettes and lighters, can be deadly when mixed with the vapors of gasoline or other fuels.