FIREFIGHTERS rescued a sleeping man after a kitchen fire at a home in Darwen.

Three crews were sent to Sandon Street at around 10.15pm on Wednesday.

Upon arrival, the teams - two from Darwen and one from Blackburn - were told that someone was still inside by neighbours.

Tony Keane, watch manager at Darwen fire station, said: "On arrival crews were greeted by the neighbours, who were quickly informed: 'two people live at the address, the door is open and the house is smoke logged'.

"A crew of two wearing breathing apparatus entered the house to search for the occupants and the fire.

"The occupant was quickly found asleep on the sofa, he was walked out of the house, firefighters re-entered and a smoking chip pan was found. Fortunately it had not reached the temperature it would automatically ignite.

"The occupant luckily was under the smoke layer and after a precautionary check by the ambulance service was released.

"Deep fat fryers are safer than chip pans and we would recommend people change these. Neighbours were alerted about the fire by the smoke alarms sounding in the hall and the landing.

"All residents should have domestic smoke alarms in hallways and landings. Early warning saves lives."