FIREFIGHTERS searched a burning building in Reed Street, Burnley, after a neighbour reported seeing a man pulling curtains down.
Station Officer Steve Cope said officers searched the building but no-one was found inside.
He said: "The owner had left the house, leaving three people in the house. On arrival the front room was well alight and the fire was spreading up the staircase.
"Had there been anyone in the house because of the density of the smoke then they would have been struggling. There were no smoke alarms in the premises."
Mr Cope said the electricity meter had been by-passed and although that had not started the fire he said it is a dangerous practice.
The fire is being treated as suspicious.
He added: "All the houses in the Burnley Wood are soon to be offered free fire safety checks and smoke detectors and anyone who wants one can contact the fire station on 01282 423240."
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