Skip to main content

Fuel Theft Vehicles

Guidance on recognizing and responding to Illicit fuel theft and transport vehicles

Overview 

Vehicles are being converted by criminals to facilitate the theft and transport of fuel. The vehicles are often vans or box vans, equipped with drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), also know as totes, to hold the stolen fuel.  

See also pages for Drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC)

image.png

PHOTO: Incident photo of a fuel theft vehicle. [Source unknown]

Common Theft Methods

Stolen Credit Card 

Suspects use a stolen credit card to pay at the service station fuel pumps.   They then pump large quantities of fuel into an improvised 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. 

image.png

Photo: Commercial truck with a hidden tank

image.png

Photo: Sport utility vehicle with a hidden tank

image.png

Recognition Clues 

  • Commonly trucks, vans, and SUVs
  • Windows may be painted black or obscured
  • Barrier or curtain obscuring the cargo area from the driver compartment of a van or SUV 
  • Odor of fuel emanating from the vehicle
  • Vehicle suspension sitting low or tires bulging from the weight of the fuel
  • Vehicle sways or leans when stopping or turning due weight and liquid fuel shifting 

 

 

Fuel Theft Vehicle Recognition Clues.png

PHOTO: Van with windows painted black (left).  Cargo area obscured by curtains behind metal screen (right) [Photos from Miami-Dade Fire/Rescue Near Miss Bulletin]

Some recognition clues for a fuel theft vehicle may be similar to an vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) or vehicle used to employ a Fire-as-a-Weapon (FaaW) attack.  Based on the totality of the circumstances, consider the need for support from a bomb squad. 

Response Considerations

Incident Managment 

  • Request law enforcement and establish unified command 
  • Request a HazMat team 
  • Consider the need for foam resources
  • Develop an incident action plan (IAP)  

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 fire extinguishers from apparatus on scene to combat running fuel fires. 

Water can intensify and spread a flammable liquid fuel fire.  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.

Leak/Spill Control 

  • Eliminate ignition sources in the area 
  • Perform spill control measures if vehicle is leaking. 
  • Consider proactively damning/diking drains even if vehicle is not leaking yet. 
  • Notify environmental AHJ if a reportable release occurs 
  • Conduct risk/benefit analysis before committing personal to the interior or cargo area of a fuel theft vehicle with an active leak or flammable environment.  

Product Transfer 

  • Consider transferring the fuel out of the fuel theft vehicle before the vehicle is towed 
  • Ensure the receiving container is compatible and approved 
  • Perform bonding and grounding 

Some fuel theft vehicles may use plastic/poly containers for gasoline.  These containers may be non-conductive which may prevent proper bonding and grounding and increase the risk of fire from static electricity. 

 

Back to top