EDMONDS, Wash. — Trying to live green and beat high gasoline prices, some enterprising Americans are turning cooking oil into biodiesel in their garages. Problem is, some of these do-it-yourselfers are burning down the house.
Fire officials around the country are warning of the dangers and considering restrictions to make sure people don’t torch the neighborhood.
“You won’t find a rule anywhere that says you can’t cook biodiesel in your garage,” said Bob Benedetti, a flammable-liquids engineer for the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass.
Biodiesel is typically made by combining the cooking oil with methanol, or wood alcohol, in a mixture heated to about 120 degrees. But methanol is highly flammable.
“It’s a fun little hobby, like making your own beer,” said Lyle Rudensey, who brews about 50 gallons per month in his Seattle garage to heat his home and run his car.
