AN arson probe is underway after a man found his car on fire last night.

Fire crews were called to Moulding Close in Blackburn at around 7.10pm after the owner of a Renault Clio Sport spotted flames coming from it.

It was the third suspicious blaze in the town in under just two hours, prompting a warning call that valuable resources are being swallowed up by arsonists.

Crew manager Lee Garnett said: "The car owner successfully extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of the fire service.

"On investigation, crews found the vehicle had a flammable liquid on the bodywork. The liquid had then ignited in the region of the driver's door and door sill, causing severe flame and heat damage.

"Police were informed the fire was suspicious and investigations are continuing."

CCTV cameras in several locations in the vicinity of Moulding Close are set to be examined as police work to catch the firebug.

Mr Garnett added: "The fire service was in attendance for approximately 50 minutes, and was not available for more serious emergency response calls."

Fire crews from Blackburn also responded to two rubbish fires; in a park in East Park Road at 8.15pm, and on the site of a former mill in Scotland Bank Terrace at 9pm.

Both piles of refuse had been set on fire deliberately. The first, at the park, damaged ornate railings.

"Deliberate fires can cost lives. They also put a strain on resources that may be required elsewhere," Mr Garnett said.

Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with any information.