Firefighters were called to a house in Carnoustie Avenue in Wodonga about 10am yesterday.

The home had minor damage but the woman was taken to hospital with burns to her right leg.

Firefighter Ross Coyle said using petrol to light a fire, especially indoors, was “a very dangerous practice”.

“Petrol can cause a significant explosion,” he said.

“She had some fairly nasty burns to her leg that required her to be transferred to hospital by ambulance.

“I understand she was released later in the day.”

Mr Coyle said firelighters were a much safer alternative for starting fires.

“At this time of year more people are using wood fires and they shouldn’t use accelerant to light them,” he said.

“This has caused significant damage from the explosion. It’s also a reminder that people need to have their wood and gas heaters serviced.”