An American man trying to kill spiders with a blowtorch accidentally burnt down his house, officials have said.

The unnamed man is thought to have been using a propane torch to burn the spiders living underneath the trailer.

But he accidentally created a massive blaze and 23 firefighters were forced to contain it.

The incident happened in Arizona and an elderly woman was said to have been carried out of the home by her son.

Neighbours said she suffered only minor injuries.

Fire crews were called late on Monday night to the fire which left the home completely gutted.

Tucson Fire Department confirmed the woman suffered minor injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

They say it took firefighters 11 minutes to put out the fire which ripped through the whole home.