FIREFIGHTERS have warned householders to beware when dealing with the aftermath of barbecues after smouldering ashes damaged a car in Darwen.

Crews from Darwen and Blackburn stations were alerted to a reported car fire in Thompson Street, Darwen, just before noon today.

And crew manager Gary Thorpe said they were faced with a blaze where ashes, left in a wheelie bin on the drive, had caught fire and spread to an adjacent car, which was said to be 'well alight' when firefighters arrived.

The fire was extinguished by two firefighters using a hosereel jet. Heat damage was also caused to to two nearby houses.

Mr Thorpe said: "The cause was due to ash from a barbecue being emptied into the bin from the night before.

"Always ensure that ash from barbecues, or ashtrays, is fully extinguished before disposal."