County legislature approves fuel gel ban

A law to ban the sale of fuel gel, blamed for an explosion that severely injured a Riverhead teenager, was approved unanimously Tuesday in the Suffolk Legislature.

The legislation was approved shortly after the mother of Michael Hubbard, who was badly burned when the gel exploded at a family gathering, pleaded for passage of the measure.

"He just turned 15, but he can't celebrate," said Nancy Reyer, noting that she was speaking on Michael's birthday. "He doesn't even know it's his birthday . . . It could be one of your children some day." Reyer said Michael can see and hear, but that it is unclear whether he can comprehend what is said.

Michael remains hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital. He was injured May 28 after FIREGEL citronella fuel exploded as it was being lit by a cousin. In June, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the gel fuels FIREGEL and NAPAfire.

The Suffolk bill defines fuel gels as "any semi-solid, pourable, gelatinous material containing ethyl alcohol manufactured for use in fire pits, fireplaces, firepots, or similar products."

Sponsor Edward Romaine (R-Center Moriches) said that while FIREGEL has been recalled, similar products are sold under other names. He said he hopes the county measure will spur the State Legislature to enact a statewide ban.

County Executive Steve Levy said he will not make a decision on whether to sign the measure until after he holds a public hearing.