THREE people suffered smoke inhalation after a chip pan fire at a house in Burnley.

Firefighters are now advising people not to tackle such blazes, after the incident in Lanark Close, around 9.20pm on Monday.

The 19-year-old householder was only alerted to the fire by a light fitting smashing.

A smoke alarm was fitted at the premises but it had been disconnected.

The teenager's father-in-law, believed to be in his 40s, tackled the blaze using damp towels but suffered from the effects of smoke.

Firefighters say the pan and part of the kitchen at the flat were damaged as a result of the incident.

Three adults, including the teenager and father-in-law, were treated at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation but declined to be checked over by paramedics, firefighters said.

Watch manager Neil Ashcroft said firefighters had recently changed their advice about how to deal with chip pan fires.

People were now being asked, on becoming aware of such a blaze, to attempt to close all doors to the room in question and alert the fire service.

Previous advice about using damp towels no longer applies, said Mr Ashcroft, who also warned about the proper maintenance of smoke alarms.

Householders can obtain a free home safety visit and smoke alarm check from Lancashire Fire Service by calling 0800 169 1125.