A man from Ballabeg suffered burns to his face and neck yesterday after attempting to burn household waste in his garden.

Firefighters were called to his property in Friary Park just before 10am.

They found he'd been trying to burn household waste which had got out of control when he used petroleum distillate as an accelerant.

Damage was caused to the fascia boarding, a garage window and a garden gate.

The man was given first aid for the 'flash burn' - an ambulance was also called. 

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service says: "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."