The scope of this publication is limited to fire hazards in the petroleum industry which may arise from static sparks@ lightning@ and stray-current arcs and sparks. There has been no experience of ignitions from static sparks in the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas and similar petroleum products under pressure and in closed systems; therefore@ such pressure systems are not discussed herein. Sparks and arcs which result from the failure of power and similar wired circuits are not covered in this publication. Purpose The purpose of this publication is to describe some of the conditions which have resulted in oil fires ignited by electrical sparks and arcs from so-called natural causes@ as well as the methods which the petroleum industry currently is applying for the prevention of ignitions from these sources. Knowledge of these practices may result in the discontinuance of some of the protective devices which have been accepted heretofore without critical examination of their validity. Furthermore@ when the narrow limits within which static electricity can cause ignitions are understood@ fire investigators may be encouraged to search more diligently for the true ignition sources.