A WOMAN using a flamethrower to torch garden weeds was left red-faced after the fire spread to a fence, tree and telegraph pole.

A passer-by said flames reached 12ft into the air after the woman, who does not wish to be named, accidentally set fire to a fence, conifer tree and telegraph pole while trying to scorch weeds on her front patio.

Firefighters were rushed to the semi-detached home on the usually quiet residential cul-de-sac of Hudspeth Crescent in Pity Me, Durham City, on Monday lunchtime (September 29).

Neighbours also brought a hose pipe to tackle the blaze, which was extinguished within a few minutes, by 1pm.

It is thought the fire may have spread via some pine needles.

The woman was not injured but was said to be shocked by what had happened. She did not wish to speak to The Northern Echo about the incident but is said to be severely embarrassed.

The fence was left scorched and the pole was blackened up to about 8ft high.

Flamethrowers and blowtorches are commonly available online and in stores, where they are advertised for use tackling weeds and sell from around £150.

However, a spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said they should not be used to clean patios.

“If you are using one, always have a bucket of water on standby so if something does catch fire you can douse it straightaway,” she added.

A spokesman for Northern Powergrid said no disruption to the electricity supply had been reported but an engineer would visit the site to assess the damage to the pole.

Garden torches, also known as flame weeders and weed wands, have become something of a status symbol in macho gardening but there have been several fires reportedly started by their misuse, some causing major damage to homes.

According to one gardening website, they have the edge over hoeing because they do not bring more seedlings to the surface. However, there is no need to burn weeds – just heating leaves until they go bright green will kill them.