FIRE crews were delayed in reaching a house fire in Dalton Street, Burnley, because of double parking on nearby narrow streets.

Firefighters had to walk the last few yards to get to the house.

Sub officer Neil Ashworth said: "We were delayed in getting to the house by perhaps a minute or so which can be vital in some cases."

He added: "We would ask the public to be aware of the possible need of emergency service vehicles getting access along the streets.

"Last night there was an open evening at the nearby St Hilda's School and there were cars everywhere.

"One machine eventually got through but the other had to go round another way."

The incident happened just before 7pm yesterday and involved a frying pan which had been left on the cooker unattended.

The occupier, a man in his fifties, put the fire out with a damp cloth. He was given oxygen at the scene before being taken to Burnley General Hospital for a check up for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The fire caused damage to the cooker and kitchen with smoke damage to other rooms in the house.