What rules apply to storing fuel on your property?
Rules for fuel tanks vary by state and county. They may cover tank size, location, spill containment, registration and inspections. Fire codes and environmental agencies each have a say. Check with your state fire marshal, state environmental agency and county planning office before installing a tank. Write down who you contacted and what they said, in case questions come up later.
Your insurance company may also have requirements. Ask your agent what coverage applies to fuel storage and what they expect.
If a fuel supplier delivers to your farm, ask what their standards are for the tank and delivery site.
- State and county rules differ
- Fire code and environmental rules both apply
- Insurance may add requirements
- Ask before you buy or install a tank
What containers are safe for small quantities?
Use containers made and labeled for the fuel you store. Gasoline and diesel need separate, clearly marked containers, and children must not mistake them for drinks. Never use milk jugs or drink bottles. Check the container label for any marking about the type of fuel it is made for, and never reuse a container that held something else.
Fill containers outdoors, on the ground, not in a truck bed with a plastic liner, where static can build up. Leave room for expansion, and keep the cap tight. Replace cracked or swollen containers.
Keep a funnel and a spout that fit your containers so you do not spill when pouring.
- Approved and labeled containers
- Separate for gasoline and diesel
- Fill outdoors on the ground
- Leave room for expansion
Where should fuel be stored?
Keep fuel away from the house, the barn, ignition sources and heat. Store it in a ventilated, shaded, secure spot. Do not store fuel in living areas or attached garages, or near a water heater or furnace with a pilot light. Heat expands fuel and builds vapor pressure, so shade matters, especially in summer.
Keep it off the ground in a spot that will not flood and away from wells, streams and drains. Ask your county health office and conservation district how far a tank should be from a well in your area.
Check your storage each season for leaks, rust and vegetation growing around the tank.
- Away from buildings and ignition sources
- Ventilated and shaded
- Locked against children
- Away from wells and water
What about bulk tanks?
Above-ground tanks on the farm may need secondary containment, a place to catch leaks, and clear labeling. Check that the tank, hoses and nozzles are in good condition and that fittings do not drip. Use a funnel with a hose guard to keep dirt out of the tank and the fuel clean.
Do not weld, cut or repair a tank that has held fuel. Vapors can explode. Hire a qualified professional for tank work, and ask about regulations on old or underground tanks.
Post the phone numbers of the fire department and the state environmental agency near the tank.
- Check secondary containment
- Inspect hoses and nozzles
- Hire a professional for repairs
- Ask about old tanks
How do you prevent fires and handle spills?
Shut off engines before fueling, and do not smoke or use open flames. Ground the nozzle against the filler neck. Do not fuel equipment that is hot. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Fuel vapor is heavier than air and can travel along the floor to a pilot light, so keep ignition sources far away.
For a small spill, soak it up with absorbent material and dispose of it as local rules direct. For a large spill or any fuel reaching water, call your state environmental agency or emergency number. Do not hose fuel into the ground or a drain.
Teach everyone who helps on the farm the fueling rules, including teenagers.
- Engine off, no flame
- Ground the nozzle
- Extinguisher close by
- Absorb small spills
How long can fuel be kept?
Fuel degrades with time, moisture and heat. Buy amounts you will use, rotate stock and label the date on each container. Ask your supplier about stabilizers and the shelf life of your fuel, and check equipment manuals. Rotating stock keeps the oldest fuel in use first.
Dispose of old fuel through a hazardous waste program. Your county solid waste office can tell you where.
Never pour old fuel into the ground or on weeds.
Key takeaways
- Check state and county rules before installing any tank.
- Use approved, labeled containers and keep them away from buildings and ignition sources.
- Never weld or cut a tank that has held fuel.
- Call your state environmental agency for spills that reach water.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.