FIREFIGHTERS are urging residents not to tackle fires in their homes unless they know proper techniques.

It comes as a woman had to be treated for smoke inhalation after she tried to put out a toaster fire with a damp cloth and pillow.

The incident happened in Kime Street, Burnley, at around 9.10pm on Sunday (Dec 9).

Watch manager Neil Ashworth said: “The advice we give is to shut the door, call us and not to put yourself in danger.

“The woman, who was in her 40s, discovered the fire and tried to tackle it with a damp cloth, which is not recommended.

“It did not work so she tried with a pillow and made it worse.

“The lady suffered smoke inhalation which we treated at the scene with oxygen.

“Automatic devices still need watching, we cannot rely on them 100 per cent.”