Gas bottle explodes in Melbourne units

A man has burns to his hands and face after a gas bottle exploded and set fire to a neighbouring unit in Melbourne.

The man is in a stable condition at The Alfred Hospital, and a cat rescued from the unit is being cared for by the local council.

Police say it appears the gas bottle exploded in a driveway and set an adjoining apartment alight about 2pm on Hughenden Road in St Kilda East.

Up to 25 firefighters brought the blaze under control in 30 minutes, an MFB spokesman said on Wednesday.