Government tells public to stay away from free gas until after first responders fuel up

NEW YORK — The government says the public should stay away from free New York fuel stations until emergency responders get their gas.

National Guard Col. Richard Goldenberg said Saturday afternoon that people who were already at the distribution sites would not be turned away.

But he says the priority would be giving gas to law enforcement agents, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency responders. That included gas for their personal vehicles, if necessary, so they could get to work.

Long lines of vehicles and pedestrians formed after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the U.S. Department of Defense was opening the mobile fuel stations in New York City and on suburban Long Island.

The state Division of Military and Naval Affairs then asked the public to stay away until more fuel is released.