A person had to be treated for flash burns after a bonfire at the rear of their home in Ballabeg got out of control.

Fire crews from Port Erin and Castletown were called to a fire at Friary Park today (Thursday) at about 10am.

On arrival, they found the fire had been put out by the occupant but it had damaged fascia boarding, a garage window and a garden gate.

First aid was given to the occupant, who had suffered burns to the face and neck.

They were also checked over by paramedics.

Fire station officer Tony Duncan said: ’The fire was started by the occupant of the house to burn household waste but quickly got out of control when a petroleum distillate was used as an accelerant.’

He added: ’Burning waste can be a nuisance to neighbours and can also pollute the air by releasing harmful chemicals into it.

’There may be many toxic chemicals in waste items.

’Paper waste may contain synthetic materials, preservatives and even plastics.

’Please use weekly refuse collections or take larger waste items to local civic amenity sites for disposal.’

In the afternoon, fire crews were called to a fire on land next to the Sound cafe, caused by the hot exhaust of a parked coach.