Fuel Strike: Women Suffers 40% Burns Transfering Petrol

The fire service said the woman was decanting fuel from one container to another using a jug when it ignited as she was using the oven at the same time, setting fire to her clothing.

Two firefighters put out the fire and removed the remaining petrol, the fire service added.

Although details of the case are still emerging, it comes days after Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said drivers could avoid potential petrol shortages by storing extra fuel in a jerry can in garages.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude outside Downing Street (Picture: Getty)

Unite the union today ruled out any strike action over the Easter weekend to focus on talks aimed at resolving a dispute between fuel tanker drivers and bosses that sparked Mr Maude's advice.

Peter Hudson, of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, warned people of the danger of storing petrol in their homes.

'Members of the public should take extreme care when handling and storing petrol and be aware of the risks associated with incorrect use and storage of fuel,' he said.

'In domestic situations fuel containers must not be stored in living accommodation such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms or under staircases.

'Any storage place should be well away from living areas and be secured to protect against the possibility of vandalism or arson.'

Mr Hudson added: 'Never bring petrol inside your home. If you do smell petrol fumes in a garage or outbuilding ventilate the area and make sure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off. The slightest spark could cause an explosion.'

The possibility of a strike by fuel tanker drivers has seen petrol stations run dry as attempts to stop panic buying failed.

Figures for yesterday showed petrol sales were up 172 per cent, while jerry can sales were up more than 500 per cent at Halfords.

Following Mr Maude's advice, which he has since retracted, fire safety experts said there was a 'real danger' fuel would be stored in inappropriate ways.


'This is not sensible advice and people should be discouraged from doing so,' Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said.
'The general public does not properly understand the fire and explosion risk of storing fuel, even if it was done sensibly.'


Mr Wrack added: 'It is already against the law to store more than 10 litres of petrol in two five-litre plastic containers in the home.
'As that amounts to little more than a third of a tank in most cars, the advice is of little practical help.'