A MAN had to be rescued from his home after putting a pan on and falling asleep following a night out.

The occupant of a flat in Kinross Walk, Blackburn, was treated for smoke inhalation after the blaze at 4.15am today.

Liam Wilson, acting watch manager at Blackburn fire station, said the whole flat was badly damaged by smoke.

And he urged people returning from a night out not to attempt to cook.

He said: "The occupier had come home after drinking alcohol and then started to cook some food in a pan.

"Unfortunately he left the pan and fell asleep on the couch."

Mr Wilson said the man's smoke alarm went off but failed to wake him but luckily neighbours heard the alarm and rang the fire service.

He added: "He was very lucky. If people want something to eat after a night out they should buy a takeaway. It is much safer."