WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that his bipartisan bill, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, was passed unanimously by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee at Wednesday’s markup.

This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a standard requiring Flame Mitigation Devices to be used to prevent fire accidents.

“My constituent, Margrett Lewis, came to me with her family’s story highlighting the dangers of fuel containers and I knew it was time for Congress to come up with a solution to prevent these tragic and deadly fires,” said Thompson. “This bipartisan bill will help keep people safe from preventable fires by implementing a standard for Flame Mitigation Devices. I will continue fighting to pass this bill in honor of Margrett, her family and the many families like hers.”

H.R. 806, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act now advances to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.

Under current standards, flammable or combustible liquids can ignite within their containers causing more than 160,000 fires, injuring nearly 4,000 people, and killing 454 each year.

Flame arrestors can help prevent these types of accidents, but currently there is no requirement for them to be used for the consumer containers found in most homes and for everyday use.

Thompson’s bill would establish safety standards to help prevent these tragic accidents.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Burn Association, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of State Fire Marshalls, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Phoenix Society of Burn Survivors.