BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Police said a gardener in Germany set afire his house while he was trying to kill weeds with a flame-thrower.

    The fire engulfed the house in Tangstedt near Hamburg in northern Germany soon after the 54-year-old gardener successfully set on fire a row of weeds.

    The gardener used a garden hose to extinguish the fire that had spread to the roof of the house but failed.   

    Authorities said seven firemen were needed to put out the blaze, which occurred Thursday.

    (Agencies)