EIGHT cats had a lucky escape after two garages were deliberately set on fire in Blackburn.

Firefighters from Blackburn and Darwen Stations were called to the suspected arson at garages in an alleyway behind Wensley Road at 6am this morning and crews are still at the scene.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the area from over a mile away and residents reported seeing huge flames.

Wensley Road is partially blocked as firefighters work to make the area safe. 

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have used three hose reel jets to tackle the fire which is now under control. Extractor fans are being used to clear the smoke. Crews will be at the scene until late morning.

Blackburn Station watch manager Steve Hartley said the fire is being treated as arson and the police are set to launch an investigation.

Mr Hartley could not confirm if the cats had been targeted but said none had been found deceased so far.

Mr Hartley said: "We were called to reports of a building fire at around 6am. Smoke could be seen as we turned out.

"On arrival we were confronted with two allotment garages on fire. There was also a metal building which was being used as a temporary cattery with eight cats inside. All cats seem to have escaped.

"Three appliances attended in total, two from Blackburn and one from Darwen, and we used three hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus to extinguish thee fire.

"I suspect we will be here in to the late morning.

"The cause of the fire is being treated as suspicious and police have been informed. We don't know the reasons for the fire so I can not say whether the cattery was specifically targeted."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.