FIRE chiefs have blasted firebugs for putting lives at risk by setting a derelict shop ablaze.

The fire, in Calderbrook Avenue, Burnley at 11pm last night destroyed the property - in a row of boarded up shops that are waiting for demolition.

But fire chiefs say the incident could have ended in tragedy as fire fighters discovered gas cylinders in the building as they searched to make sure no-one was inside.

Burnley Fire Station Officer Peter Ashworth said: "I want to appeal to the mindless idiots who put my lads at risk. The floor had been burnt through to such an extent the joist was sagging through and my lads had to be working under that.

"There were also two cylinders letting gas off. It filled what was already a dangerous room full of LG gas and there were pockets of fire and that could have gone bang.

"These idiots are getting in there and setting fire to this place. They are boarded up and secure so they are breaking in. We have to search these places just in case there's anyone in.

"At best my lads could suffer serious injury. At worse they could lose their lives. Until these buildings are demolished they are a magnet for these people and the quicker they are demolished the better."

It was the second time in one day fire fighters were called to the row of empty shops, which have flats above.