FIREFIGHTERS in Blackburn have issued a warning against the dangers of playing with gas cylinders after they were called to a fire which they say endangered the lives of dozens of neighbours.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in Sussex Drive, Blackburn, where a liquid propane gas cylinder had been set on fire inside a wheelie bin.

Although the fire itself was quickly extinguished, fire crews stayed at the scene for more than an hour to make sure the area was safe, and to investigate the cause with police.

Station Officer Kevin Gibson said: "This sort of action is really foolhardy and risks the lives of quite a lot of people."