VIDEO: "There was a loud bang and I was enveloped in flames": Wife's quick thinking saves husband after fuel burner explosion

These are the words of Graeme Evans, who suffered 25 per cent burns in a terrifying accident involving a bio-ethanol burner.

Mr Evans, of The Saltings on Baswich Lane, Stafford, said he is lucky to be alive after the device exploded while being refuelled.

He and his wife Rose had been visiting neighbours when the incident happened in July.

He was refilling the burner as it appeared to have gone out, but when he squirted fuel inside there was a loud bang and flames shot out at him.

Luckily, Mrs Evans knew not to douse the flames with water and instead patted her husband down to extinguish the fire before calling paramedics.

Mr Evans said: "The explosion happened very suddenly, there was a loud bang and the next thing I knew, I was enveloped in flames.

"The fire was literally all over my body and was even on my face and lips. I went into shock and didn't know what to do.

"Luckily, my wife acted swiftly, pushing me to the ground and patting the flames until they were out. If Rose had not remained calm and hadn't taken the right course of action immediately, I seriously doubt that I would be here today. She definitely saved my life and I am so grateful to her."

The pair now feature in a safety awareness video released by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue which sees them advise viewers about using bio-ethanol burner, which can come in the form of garden fire pits.

Mr Evans added: "The thing that can make bio-ethanol burners so dangerous is that to all intents and purposes, the flames can appear to be completely extinguished but in actual fact they are still burning.

"That was the case when my friend squirted the liquid into the burner, causing an explosion-like effect that came from nowhere.

"I want people to be aware of the risks involved with bio-ethanol burners and if in doubt, to steer clear of them. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I have gone through."

Station Manager Neil Burton added: "Although the number of incidents we have involving bio-ethanol is not high, all of the ones we have had, have resulted in very serious or even fatal injuries.

"We do not want to see another member of our community suffer as Mr Evans has.

"It is vital to never underestimate the potential hazards linked to this extremely flammable type of fuel. Always keep the burner away from combustible materials as the fuel can burn without a visible flame, and follow the manufacturer's instructions."