THE fire service were called to a house in Spring Bank Terrace, Blackburn, after neighbours reported a fire alarm going off and the smell of smoke.

When fire crews from Blackburn arrived on the scene at 11.45pm on Tuesday, they found the house was smoke logged, and used ladders to gain entry via an open window.

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A pan containing burnt food was found on an electric hob. Fumes from the food had smoke logged the property, and the fire service used ventilation units to clear the smoke.

Lee Garnett, acting watch manager at Blackburn Fire Station, said: “Smoke alarms save lives. You’re more than twice as likely to die in a house fire without one.

“A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you precious time to escape.

“Please ensure you stay with food when cooking, and always turn off cooking appliances after use.”