HOAX calls to the fire service, which saw a member of call handler staff verbally abused on the phone, have been described as 'utterly ridiculous' by firefighters.

Blackburn's crew manager, John Riley, said firefighters received a house fire call to Spring Bank Terrace at 10pm on Wednesday night.

Following procedure, both of the station's fire engines went to the scene to find the call had been a hoax, with no signs of a fire.

Mr Riley said during the initial phone call, the handler was verbally abused on the phone.

Three hours earlier, the crews were called out to Broughton Close at 7pm to a hoax call regarding a fire in someone's garden, which was the second call from the same mobile phone in recent weeks.

Mr Riley said the police are investigating the incidents.

He said: "These calls are utterly ridiculous.

"Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service staff should not be abused while trying to carry out their vital work.

"For house fires we send out both engines so there's nothing in the immediate area guarding the town, an engine at Darwen would have to come over to cover.

"While we're out dealing with hoax calls, someone could be in with a serious risk of losing their life.

"Hoax calls have come down over the years, with education from firefighters and the reduction of phone kiosks.

"However due to recent events we want to strongly advise people to not hoax call the emergency services.

"Those who do will be thoroughly investigated and large fines and penalties will be handed out."

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The 999 system exists in case of emergency.

"It is intended to be used only when there is a crime in progress or where life is at risk.

"Some people are ringing the number when there is no need to and this is simply not acceptable.

"As communications operators are dealing with these 999 calls, people in genuine need of emergency help may well be trying to get through.

"At best, these types of irresponsible calls are wasting valuable time and at the very worst, they could ultimately cost lives."