A BOY aged four who was playing with his father's lighter has been blamed for starting a fire which has wrecked the family home.

Firefighters were called to the house in Fountain Street, Accrington, at 7pm yesterday to find the downstairs living room well alight.

Today they issued another warning about the dangers of leaving matches and lighters in the reach of children and are urging people to get smoke alarms fitted.

Chris Hollis, station officer at Accrington, said the house belonged to Arshad Khan.

He added: "The fire started under the stairs. A four-year-old was playing with his dad's lighter and lit some tissues.

"He was holding them up like a torch but then it burned his hand he dropped them and shut the door behind him and they have caught hold.

"There was nothing malicious in it but matches and lighters used by adults should be kept in a secure place.

"It is always tempting for children to play with them, and in their innocence they can cause accidental fires."

Officer Hollis said when fire crews arrived, a woman and three children had evacuated and they had been lucky to make their escape.

He added: "Unfortunately they didn't have a smoke alarm, which can save lives and money.

"We have now provided a smoke alarm for the family and for the houses either side free of charge as part of our smoke alarm awareness campaign.

"We are urging everyone to get a smoke alarm.

"The fire has devastated the house and it needs completely re-wiring."

The downstairs living room and kitchen were severely damaged by fire and the rest of the house by smoke.

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