Authorities bust illegal fuel operation in Las Vegas backyard

The hose was long enough to connect the pair of massive gasoline-filled containers in the Las Vegas backyard to vehicles parked in front. The clandestine gas pump essentially had capabilities for “curbside fill-ups.”

The operation Las Vegas officials busted Tuesday was not only illegal but also dangerous, with catastrophic consequences if a fire would’ve been sparked.

Las Vegas Fire & Rescue shared photos of the homemade pump on its Facebook page Tuesday night but didn’t provide an address.

Officials have stressed that supporting an enterprise that typically offers gasoline for pennies on the dollar is not worth it. Last summer, Metro Police busted a couple dozen suspects in a gas theft scheme.

The suspects would steal bank card information, fill up at legitimate gas stations, but then store the product at valley homes, in containers not equipped to carry flammable liquids.

At the time, a Clark County Fire Department official said that a “handful” of recent house and vehicle fires had been linked to fuel theft. When such an operation goes awry, he warned, a spark can “level a neighborhood.”

Las Vegas fire officials on Tuesday warned possible perpetrators that they could be monetarily responsible for “any costs for abatement for any environmental impacts” they caused.

Residents who want to report a similar operation are asked to contact police.