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Fuel Theft Vehicles

Illicit fuel theft and transport vehicles

Vehicles are Being Converted by Criminals to Facilitate the Theft and Transport of Fuel 

The vehicles are often vans or box vans, equipped with barrels or intermediate bulk containers (IBCS), also know as totes, to hold the stolen fuel.  This course includes a walk-through of an illegal fuel transport vehicle performed by the Miami-Dade police and fire department. 

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Common Theft Methods

Stolen Credit Card 

Use a stolen credit card and use the service station pumps, but pump the fuel into a hidden compartment in the vehicle. 

Tank Theft 

Steal fuel directly out of the underground storage tanks at the gas station.  This often includes a hidden compartment in the bottom of the vehicle and an onboard pump.  The vehicle parks over the top of the underground tank covers, the cover is removed, and hose is lowered into the underground tank to pump stolen fuel into barrels or a tote onboard the suspect vehicle. 

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Response Considerations

Incident Managment 

  • Request law enforcement and establish unified command 
  • Request a HazMat team 
  • Consider the need for foam resources 

Arrival and Control Zones 

  • Position apparatus uphill from the fuel theft vehicle in case a leak/breach occurs 
  • Ensure personnel and apparatus has an escape route for emergency retreat if necessary
  • Isolate and deny entry to areas downgrade of the suspected vehicle
  • Consider the need to evacuate vehicles and buildings downgrade of the suspect vehicle

A fuel breach, leak, or ignition may occur at any time.  Ensure personnel are standing or operating in a safe location as a leak or ignition may occur at any time.  

Fire Suppression 

  • Consider the need for a bulk foam resource (foam tender, trailer, or ARFF truck) 
  • Be prepared for a potential of a three dimensional rolling fuel fire, that can suddenly grow in size and intensity
  • Understand that water will be ineffective in controlling all but a very small amount of burning gasoline or diesel fuel
  • Consider gathering dry chemical extinquishers from apparatus on scene to combat running fuel fires. 

If fire firefighters direct their hose line stream into the cargo area of a truck or passenger compartment of a minivan or SUV and the fire suddenly intensifies or grows, they should suspect the vehicle is carrying an additional fuel load and should stop applying water directly to the fire.

Water can intensify and spread a flammable liquid fuel fire. 

Defensive Spill Control 

Consider proactively damning/diking drains, entrances to 



Attempt to collect as many dry chemical extinguishers from units on scene as possible to fight this potential three dimensional fire
Be mindful of run off
and where personnel are standing or operating (ignition could happen at any moment)
into storm drains and notify Department of Environment/Natural Resources and Water and Sewer Department

 

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