A DISCARDED cigarette is being blamed for a fire which wrecked a shop front in Accrington.
The fire broke out at The Appliance Centre, Whalley Road, just after 9am yesterday and two crews took nearly 45 minutes to bring it under control.
The firefighters stopped the fire spreading but the premises and stock were affected by smoke damage.
Today, the owner of the shop, which stocks kitchen appliances, said he would have to replace the entire shop front but was hopeful assessors would give him the green light to remain open for business.
Watch manager at Accrington Chris Fogharty said a smouldering cigarette was the likely cause of the blaze.
"We think what's happened is a discarded cigarette has been wedged in the window frame and after smouldering away has eventually caused the shop front to catch fire.
"We managed to contain the blaze but obviously there was some smoke damage as a result of the fire, " he said.
Alan Worsick, who has run the business for the last 10 years said: "Hopefully I can stay open but am awaiting to see my assessors.
"I will definitely need a new shop front."
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