BERLIN (AFP) - A German gardener's house was left a smouldering wreck on Friday after he set it on fire while trying to get rid of the weeds with the help of a flame-thrower, police said.
After accidentally setting his hedge alight, the 54-year-old's garden shed was soon also engulfed in flames and despite efforts to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, the blaze spread to the roof of the house.
Seven firemen were needed to put out the blaze in Tangstedt near Hamburg in northern Germany, which occurred on Thursday. Police said the house was now uninhabitable.
I wonder if Germany has banned Roundup or other types of weed killers? Sure would be a hell of a lot safer than using fire. And in this case, cheaper too!
This could be an arson charge in my state; "Intentional fire, recklessly causes damage".
If somebody else's name is on the deed or a bank carries a loan on the property, then he isn't the sole property owner. Arson charges would be considered. No one wants to lockup a homeowner who makes a mistake. Other considerations have to be included; was anyone else endangered, other homes and property in peril ,threat level or substance abuse involved, etc. The flame thrower itself can be a prohibited weapon in my state.
Lastly, I resent my insurance money being pooled to pay off damages caused by a clown like this. I'm sure his homeowners insurance is reviewing their terms to sees if such recklessness justifies compensation.
You folks do know that burning weeds is a organic weed control used for years and what is being described as a "flame thrower very well could have been something like this? >>http://www.flameengineering.com/Red_Dragon_Propane_Torch_K.html
I didn't read the link, but if someone was killing weeds near property of another or near residents with a flame thrower, I would say he's an arrest for reckless endangerment. Probably possessing a weapon too.
