FIRE chiefs have warned the public about the use and storage of petrol as they released dramatic footage of a garden shed explosion.

The explosion, which was caught on CCTV, destroyed the large shed after a small amount of petrol, stored in appropriate containers and garden machinery, leaked.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service believe the petrol vapours were ignited by a faulty fluorescent light fitting, causing the explosion, and the remaining fuel was ignited causing a fire which quickly engulfed the remains of the shed.

Due to the extent of the fire damage, the fire investigations team was unable to establish how the leak occurred.

Jamie Lister, fire investigation officer, said: “In light of what could have been a potentially devastating incident, WYFRS would like to reiterate the safety considerations around storage and use of petrol in homes and gardens.

“Petrol produces a vapour which is extremely flammable and must be treated with utmost care. To create a potentially explosive atmosphere there only needs to be a small amount of petrol vapour present.”

The fire service has also issued a list of do's and dont's to avoid other people suffering similar accidents while storing and using petrol.

DO

  • Do use only approved, labelled containers with correctly fitting lids
  • Do store in a well ventilated area
  • Do only store the minimum amount you need (2 x 5 litre plastic containers is the maximum allowed limit)
  • Do use a funnel/spout when decanting/refuelling and only do this outside
  • Do keep containers secure to protect against inappropriate use
  • Do replace any damaged or leaking containers/equipment

DON’T

  • Don’t store petrol/petrol operated equipment in living accommodation
  • Don’t smoke or use naked flames when handling petrol/petrol operated equipment
  • Don’t overfill containers to avoid any spillages
  • Don’t fill containers to the brim, fuels expand and vapour can build up in hot weather
  • Don’t store containers in direct sunlight
  • Don’t use petrol to light bonfires as this can potentially cause a petrol vapour explosion.

People are also being reminded to keep petrol powered equipment stored in an upright position, and to keep the fuel tap in the off position to prevent leaks.