So...my Vanagon got T-boned on passenger side.  I have located a donor Vanagon.  To help my bodyshop guy, I removed dash.  Good...now we can get down to details.  The mess is all on the right side; floor, step-in area.  Door is toast, but Donor provides.

Our plan is to do a "clip".  This means, precisely cutting out section from my van.  Also, precisely cutting out section from Donor van.  Put Part B into Van A.  Weld them together.
My concern?  Hey...that gasoline tank is nearby.  Sparks from angle grinder or Sawsall.  Dang...the whole thing could explode!  And eliminate my Van and also the bodyshop's building, not to mention human loss or damage.
My bodyshop guy is extremely experienced in Vanagons.  Yet, he has made no mention of removing fuel tank and stuff before beginning work.
Should I insist on removing fuel tank?