A garden fire out of control, a desperate attempt to extinguish it and, in the end, two torched vehicles on the neighbouring property - this was probably the most embarrassing day in the life of a 66-year-old man in the Mecklenburg Lake District. The man wanted to burn some leftover wood on his property, nothing special really. But then he left the fire unattended. The flames spread across a dry meadow and ate through the hedge that separated his property from the neighbour's. On the other side were an older sailing boat and a van. The fire reached them and destroyed them completely. The man tried to extinguish the fire and injured himself slightly, but was unable to prevent the damage.
Criminal charges for negligent arson
The police report that 26 firefighters arrived to extinguish the fire. The total damage to the boat and car is estimated at 9,000 euros.
A criminal complaint was filed against the 66-year-old on suspicion of negligent arson.
It is doubtful whether the two neighbours will still greet each other over the garden fence after this incident.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
