Man burned in Upper Hutt 'steam explosion'

A man has suffered burns after causing a "steam explosion" in Upper Hutt.

Police attended the incident at the request of ambulance officers, a police spokesman said.

There had been a fire involving oil at a property on Whakatiki St, Trentham, just after 5pm today.

"The occupant threw water over the oil, causing a steam explosion," the spokesman said.

"The man suffered burns and was taken to hospital."

The incident was initially reported as a chainsaw explosion, but police said no chainsaw was involved.