WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 806, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Representative Mike Thompson (CA-05). The bill aims to reduce the number of Americans burned in accidents involving portable fuel containers by directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a standard requiring Flame Mitigation Devices like flame arrestors to prevent these “flame jetting” accidents. 

“By ensuring portable fuel containers come equipped with basic safety measures, we will prevent dangerous accidents that threaten thousands of lives every year,” said Dave. “We need to have a standard in place that ensures these containers can function as safely and effectively as possible. I was proud to introduce this legislation alongside Congressman Mike Thompson and look forward to seeing our colleagues in the Senate take action on the bill soon.”

“Flame accidents have tragic and deadly consequences, but there’s a simple and cost-effective solution to keep our communities safer. When my constituent, Margrett Lewis, came to me with her family’s story, I knew that it was past time for Congress to take action,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Today, I was proud to see the House pass this bill to help prevent these terrible accidents and I look forward to swift consideration in the Senate.”

Currently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that fire departments across the country respond to an average of 160,910 fires per year involving ignition of a flammable or combustible liquid within portable fuel containers. These fires, in which flames can extend out more than 10 feet, kill over 450 people each year and injure 4,000 others.

H.R. 806, which passed the House unanimously by voice, is endorsed by organizations including NFPA, the American Burn Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the National Association of State Fire Marshalls.

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