FIREFIGHTERS leapt into action to tackle a fire — just 50 yards away at the new Blackburn Community Fire Station.

Officers working from the current building in Byrom Street, got a shock when the alarm came through from the new state-of-the-art £3million site.

It was one of the shortest dashes they have ever made, and within seconds, they were investigating the cause.

They found that smouldering wires in the roof space had caused an electrical fault, which had triggered the fire alarm.

Bosses said the incident showed the importance of smoke alarms, and proved fires can start in any building.

The new building, which will feature a grassed roof, is set to open next month in Canterbury Street.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Kenny said: “A fire in a fire station is a graphic re-minder of how fire can strike anywhere and emphasises yet again that a smoke alarm and the early warning it provides is as essential in our premises as in people’s homes.” Steve Harman, secretary of the Lancashire branch of the Fire Brigade Union (FBU), said: “The incident also goes to show the importance of having an efficient fire service which respond immediately.

“The FBU are still concerned about the £6million budget cuts being proposed, and how that will impact on the service to the public.”

The new station has been built as part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project to construct 16 new Community Fire Stations in the North West.

Blackburn’s Community Fire Station replaces the oldest fire station in Lancashire built 90 years ago.

Work started in March 2011, and firefighters will be leaving their old base for the last time next week, with an official opening set for April 26.

Artefacts from the old station will be transferred to the new building, including a brass pole, photographs, log books, and plaques. The new station includes training facilities that will be available for the community to book.