I think it's a bit dangerous to imply that modern vapor recovery systems make starting a fire with open flame near a gasoline dispenser improbable.

Stage II vapor recovery systems (the "secondary hose inline with the gas hose") have been, or are being, decommissioned all over the United States[1]. In many areas they were only required in ozone non-attainment areas. Modern cars have on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR), but plenty of people still drive older cars. I think it's safe to say that the combination of a pre-ORVR car with a dispenser that doesn't have Stage II vapor recovery is a real possibility.

[1] http://www.sourcena.com/stage2/

Interesting. I thought another purpose of the second hose was to help the displaced air flow out of the tank as it's being filled, allowing higher flow rates without the fuel backing up and spilling out.

Modern cars have on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR), but plenty of people still drive older cars. I think it's safe to say that the combination of a pre-ORVR car with a dispenser that doesn't have Stage II vapor recovery is a real possibility.

That sounds like the system with the carbon canister ("evaporative emissions") and sealed tank cap, which has been around since the 70s. It would have to be a very old car to not have that.

According to linked article in parent, this is something different, and originally mandated in 2006. So my 2003 would presumably could go up in a fireball if I light up next to it while fueling. It's a good thing I'm not dumb enough to have burning material next to my car while I'm putting highly flammable liquid into it.

Don't forget all the vehicles that aren't required to have ORVR yet still drink unleaded, too.