A LEADING fire fighter has called for mindless fire bugs to think before they set fire to homes.

The plea comes after an unoccupied house was set on fire yesterday afternoon.

Station Officer Andrew Taylor said the fire could have turned out worse if the neighbour hadn't smelt smoke.

The house, in Nelson Street, Accrington, was up for sale and had been for quite some time when it was targeted.

Accrington Fire Brigade's Station Officer Andrew Taylor has warned that this type of crime could cost somebody their life.

He said: "The fire could have spread to the neighbour's house if he hadn't have smelt the smoke. The results could have been disastrous and ended up costing a life."

The owner of the house, thought to be living in Bolton, is currently being traced by police.

The police were investigating the fire since it is believed to have been started deliberately because all the electrics were switched off in the house.