GORHAM — State officials sent out warnings as loudly as they could Thursday after it was discovered that kerosene sold at a local store was contaminated with gasoline.

By Thursday night, there were no reports of explosions or other problems related to the contamination. But fire investigators say the concern is very real. Gasoline inadvertently used in a kerosene heater or other device could be deadly.

“It’s nothing you want to mess with,” Lewiston Fire Inspector Paul Ouellette said. “If you have a kerosene heater and you use the wrong fuel, it could be dangerous. There could be a violent reaction.”

Gas and kerosene have different properties and behaviors, Ouellette said. Gasoline is extremely flammable and ignites at once when exposed to flame.

Explosion is very likely if an abundance of gas is ignited in a heater meant for kerosene, Ouellette said. Bodily injury and major fire are almost certain.

State Fire Marshal John Dean sent out notices warning the public that anyone who purchased kerosene from the “Little Mart” at Routes 202 and 237 over the past 48 hours should stop using it immediately. Any heating devices fueled by the contaminated mixture should be removed from any enclosed living space at once.

About 400 gallons of the kerosene-gasoline mixture were sold before the error was discovered, Dean said. It was not immediately clear what ratio of gas to kerosene went out to the public.

According to Ouellette, it might make a difference. A strong mixture should emit a powerful smell that anyone with experience in kerosene would notice at once.

“Gasoline has a very distinct smell,” Ouellette said. “If something doesn’t smell right, you would hope people would refrain from using it.”

Kerosene is extremely popular as a heating source in garages, sheds and fishing shacks.

The Fire Marshal’s Office was notified of the problem Thursday afternoon by Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre, according to Maine Public Safety Spokesman Stephen McCausland. Gorham emergency officials used a reverse 911 calling system to notify all local residents of the matter.

The Maine Department of Public Safety also put out notices through the media and through social networks such as Facebook.

Anyone who bought the tainted kerosene can return it to the “Little Mart” for a full refund, according to a news release. The store can be reached at 892-4153. Anyone with concerns can also contact Chief Lefebvre at the Gorham Fire Station at 839-5581.