FIREFIGHTERS were called to a serious house fire in Blackburn.

Firefighters said the first floor bedroom of a house in Preston New Road was well alight when they arrived at 4.35pm this afternoon.

It is believed people were in the house at the time of the fire, but nobody was seriously injured.

Two fire engines from Blackburn Station attended and four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hosereels to extinguish the fire. A ventilation nit was also used. 

The fire, which is believed to have been started by a candle left unattended, left the bedroom severely damage and the upstairs of the house was smoke damaged.

Watch manager Tony Spencer said the house had smoke alarms, but they were not working.

Mr SPencer said: "Smoke alarms save lives, You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven’t got one. A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you and your family precious time to escape. Candles should always be placed on a non-combustible dish/surface and should never be left unattended.

"For a free Home Fire Safety Check, advice and smoke alarm test or replacement, visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk or call 0800 1691125."