TWO people had to be rescued from a house fire in the early hours today.

An elderly woman was rescued from the ground floor of the semi-detached house in Cliff Street, Rishton, while a man in his 50s was rescued from the first floor.

As fire crews from Hyndburn arrived, smoke was pouring out of the upstairs and downstairs windows.

Three fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus were sent in to deal with the fire and search for the residents.

A spokesman said: “On arrival crews were met with a house fire, with smoke issuing from upstairs and downstairs windows.

“Breathing apparatus crews made entry into the house and rescued an adult male from the first floor and an elderly lady from the ground floor.

“A further BA crew were deployed, 6 in total, to deal with the fire and aid further searching.

“The fire was brought under control and extinguished quickly.

“A fire investigation was started and will recommence later in the morning. The police are currently protecting the scene.”