Glass and hot embers blasted out of an enclosed fireplace at a Hokitika home last night after a can was accidentally thrown on the fire and exploded.
The two occupants of the Rolleston Street home were taken to Grey Base Hospital for observation after receiving minor cuts and bruises in the explosion.
Hokitika Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Harry Collett said the can ended up in the fire as "an honest mistake".
The explosion happened about 8.30pm and caused moderate damage to the house.
The glass door blew out, along with hot embers which were strewn around the room.