London Fire Brigade is urging people thinking of storing fuel to take extreme care after a woman suffered serious burns when she tried to decant petrol in her home.

It is believed the woman, who suffered 40 per cent burns, was decanting the fuel in her York kitchen when fumes from the petrol ignited because the cooker was on.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: "This tragic accident is a stark reminder that people should be extremely careful if they are thinking of storing petrol and make sure that they take all the necessary precautions.

"You should always store petrol away from the house in either a shed or a garage and well away from people and anywhere where it might be close to a naked flame or other source of ignition."

It is against the law to store more than 20 litres (four gallons) of petrol in two 10 litre (two gallon) metal containers, and 10 litres (two gallons) in two 5 litre (one gallon) plastic containers.

Only use containers built specifically for the purpose of carrying petrol. Appropriate containers are available from car accessory stores.

For more information, visit london-fire.gov.uk/Petroleum.asp