FOUR children were among those pulled to safety from a burning block of flats by firefighters after "mindless" vandals set fire to child's pushchair.

Ten people were rescued from the three-storey flats at Devonshire House, Laycock Gate in Layton, following the fire at around 1.25am on Tuesday,.

The blaze was started when a pram was set alight and left blocking the exit foyer of the building, trapping residents on all three floors inside their homes.

Four children -- aged from five months to 13 years -- were among those rescued by members of the Blackpool Fire and Rescue Service after fumes triggered a smoke detector.

Paramedics treated those at the scene for smoke inhalation and shock. Nobody was taken to hospital.

Blackpool Fire Station Officer, Colin Byers said: "This is another example of how a mindless act of vandalism can have serious consequences.

If the fire had not been discovered by the smoke detector in its early stages the implications of this fire could have been tragic."

Fire officers and police are carrying out further investigations into the incident.

FIREFIGHTERS are warning of the risks of living without a smoke detector or leaving candles unattended following a fire which gutted a flat in a Blackpool tower block.

The note of caution comes after the blaze at a flat on the sixth floor of Elizabeth Court -- a 16-storey block at Laycock Gate, Layton -- in the early hours of Wednesday, July 2.

Two people were evacuated and treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation after an unattended candle set light to the partially furnished flat next door.

It is believed the occupant of the flat was out at the time.

A Blackpool Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "This is an example of how the incorrect use of candles can destroy your life and home.

"No smoke detectors were fitted in the area, if the fire loading in the flat had been that of a normally furnished dwelling the consequences of the fire would have been severe."

For further information on how to obtain a free smoke detector or to arrange a free Home Safety Check contact your local fire station or call Blackpool Fire and Rescue on 01253 302524.