Volunteer fire crews from nearby Talbot extinguished a small grass fire burning around the property and administered first aid.
The man told crews he had attempted to stamp out a fire started while mowing the lawn.
Ambulance crews treated the patients burns at the scene before transporting him to Ballarat hospital.
CFA District 2 Duty Officer Justin Dally said mowing the lawn in thongs is flirting with danger, even without the threat of a fire, and the man’s injuries could have easily been avoided.
“Had the man been wearing sturdy boots, thick socks and trousers he may not have suffered any injuries at all. Now he faces the prospect of spending Christmas in hospital.” Mr Dally said.
“It’s a serious warning that even routine chores, like mowing the lawn, can end disastrously if some very basic precautions aren’t taken.”
He said other protection, including safety glasses, earmuffs and thick gloves were also a good idea while using potentially dangerous machinery.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
