WESTPORT — As the cost of gas keeps surging, Westport’s fire marshal warns against “hoarding” fuel in an attempt to ward off future price increases.

The latest per gallon gas prices, according to AAA, are averaging at or above $4.50.

Nonetheless, Fire Marshal Nate Gibbons says, storing large amounts of fuel unsafely could be explosive.

Gibbons, in an emailed statement to the community, said, “Faced with the stunning jump in fuel costs, a few residents have resorted to gasoline hoarding. People are taking any and every container to the pump and filling it up.”

Since gasoline and diesel are flammable, he notes, storing both fuels requires special care.

Gibbons emphasized that “small” amounts of fuel should be stored in “rated, fuel containers. If you need to stockpile fuel, invest in the correct gas storage containers.”

Those containers are metal or special red plastic, have safety nozzles and can be effectively sealed against leaking vapors, which can ignite if they find a source of ignition, he noted.

“You’ve seen them around and probably have one or two in your garage. It’s what they are designed for, safe storage of flammable liquids,” Gibbons said.

Fuel should be stored outdoors, he added, and not in a basement. Transfer fuel using safety nozzles that shut off automatically in the event of a slip or a drop, and use funnels to minimize the risk of a spill.

The state has laws against using unsafe containers, he said.

Anyone with questions should call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 203-341-5020.