A FIRE chief today urged people who live near empty houses to get free fire safety checks carried out on their homes after a blaze at an unoccupied terrace house in Burnley.

The blaze badly damaged the house in Piccadilly Road and smoke spread through to next door houses, where three people needed treatment for breathing in smoke.

One of the next door houses was not fitted with a smoke detector.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the fire at the three-floor house at shortly before 3am.

Fire crews searched the house after reports suggested a woman was inside but the house was empty.

Station Officer Paul Harvey said the lack of smoke detectors could have led to serious consequences.

He added: "This sort of thing can happen with empty properties where there is a risk to people without there being a fire in their own home.

"We would certainly recommend everyone has smoke detectors fitted and the fire service can carry out free checks and fit detectors free of charge.

"This is especially important in areas where people may perhaps be a bit more vulnerable, because of empty properties in their street."

Fire safety checks can be arranged by calling 0800 1691125.