FIRE chiefs today said a smoke alarm saved the life of a teenage girl who escaped an inferno in her bedroom.

Amy Whitaker, 14, was rescued after a candle is thought to have started a fire which gutted her room.

The teenager, who was suffering from the effects of breathing in acrid smoke was led to safety by her father, Michael, after the blaze broke out in her bedroom in Olympia Street, Fulledge, Burnley.

Three other youngsters Deborah, Beth and Sean, were able to get out of the house unhurt at 11.30 last night.

The 14-year-old was given oxygen treatment at the scene and then taken to Burnley General Hospital for a check up.

Sub Officer Gary Hargreaves today issued a warning about the use of candles in the home. He said: "There was nothing suspicious, the candle was being used for decorative effect.

"But they should only be used in proper candle holders and should be put out before going to bed because of the danger of falling asleep while they are still burning."

He said the girl was asleep at the time but that the house was fitted with two smoke detectors which were activated, giving an early warning to members of the family.

Mr Hargreaves said: "Basically the alarms saved the life of the 14-year-old daughter.

"There were three other children in the house.

"The father, heard the alarm, got up to investigate and discovered the fire. He got the children out and closed the doors behind him and rang for us. He did everything right."

A full investigation into the cause was underway today. The family were not at their home to comment about the incident.