A FAMILY of ten fled from a St Annes house on February 4 after a fire was sparked by an unattended chip pan.

Two fire crews and a Victim Support Unit from St Annes Fire Station were called to the fire at 135A St Albans Road at just after 1.30am.

One casualty was taken to hospital by ambulance suffering the effects of smoke for further medical treatment.

It took four fire fighters, wearing breathing apparatus, using a hose reel jet to bring the fire under control which was located in a second floor kitchen.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "There was severe damage by fire, heat and smoke to the property.

"The cause of the fire was believed to be a chip pan left unattended. Chip pan fires are still the largest cause of injuries in dwelling fires and should never be left unattended."

The family was alerted to the fire, still in its early stages, by a smoke alarm and is being given immediate practical and emotional support by the Fire Service Victim Support unit based at Penwortham.

For free smoke alarms and advice on fire safety in the home contact your local fire station.