A WOMAN has been forced to temporarily leave her home after it set on fire.

The incident happened at a house in Beaumaris Avenue, Blackburn, at around 8pm last night.

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The fire was caused by a faulty television catching alight and the incident caused severe damage to the living room and smoke damage to the remainder of the house.

The resident managed to escape before firefighters from Blackburn Station arrived but she was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene as a precaution.

Four firefighters went into the house and used a hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Watch manager Steve Hartley said: "On arrival firefighters were confronted with a well developed living room fire caused by a faulty TV set. We used four breathing apparatus, a hose reel and a positive pressure fan to clear the smoke.

"Luckily nobody was hurt. The residents managed to evacuate before we got there.

"The living room was severely damaged by the fire and the rest of the property was damaged by smoke. The occupier has found alternative living arrangements.

"I would like to remind people smoke detectors save lives. This fire was discovered by the occupier before the smoke detector went off. But if they had been in bed and no smoke detector was fitted then this fire could have proved fatal.

"For a free home fire safety check call 0800 1691125."