A fondue set exploded in a man's face after he used methylated spirits to try to light it.
Pukehina Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Errol Watts said it was a timely reminder not to use accelerants in such circumstances.
The man, aged in his 40s, was with
family at a house on Pukehina Parade on Saturday when they decided to have fondue.
Mr Watts said they had trouble lighting it so decided to pour on meths.
"But it blew up in his face," Mr Watts said. "He had burns to his face, head and hands.
"I wouldn't advise using meths to start a fire. He was lucky it wasn't any worse and the family took action quickly to cool the burns down."
He said the man was taken into a shower before the fire brigade arrived.
He also had wet towels and ice applied to the burns.
"His skin was peeling off and it wasn't very pleasant," Mr Watts said. "I've not seen a fondue for a few years."
He said the fire brigade waited with the family until an ambulance arrived to take the man to Tauranga Hospital for treatment.
He was treated and discharged.
- BOP TIMES
