FIREFIGHTERS saved a budgie from a blaze in a Blackburn flat.

A discarded cigarette set a settee on fire at Kingsbridge Apartments, Kingsbridge Street, Mill Hill.

Firefighters managed to lead the householder, a man in his 60s, to safety.

He had been alerted by a smoke alarm.

Watch manager Dave Gillibrand said firefighters had also managed to retrieve a budgie from the lounge.

Smoke damage was caused to the living room and neighbours had to be evacuated.