FIRE crews were called to an attractive historic-looking house in Barrowford after fears people could be trapped inside when the building was well alight.
They did establish there was no one there after making a search, and they were able to stop the blaze in the roof area doing too much damage.
The incident was at a detached house in Barleydale Road at teatime on Tuesday. Because of the “persons reported” suggestion, three fire engines were sent there – one from Nelson and two from Colne.
And because the fire was in the loft area, they sent for an aerial ladder platform as a precaution in case the blaze went through the roof.
Watch Manager Tom Simpson, of Nelson Fire Station, said: “Neighbours rang the fire service after seeing smoke from the building. We did manage to stop it getting too badly damaged. There was damage in the loft area, and water caused some damage down below.”
The cause of the fire is thought to have been an electrical fault but it is still under investigation. Four firefighters in breathing apparatus searched the building and put the fire out.