LIFE-SAVING fire safety precautions are still not being taken seriously by residents, according to firefighters in Accrington.

They have re-issued a fire safety warning, after visiting a fire in Stanley Street which put the lives of five people in danger because simple precautions had not been taken.

They are offering a simple fire safety check and free fitting of smoke alarms to try and prevent a tragedy.

The warning comes after a crew from Accrington fought the fire at 3.50am on Saturday morning .

It had started in a pile of clothing by a discarded cigarette and had quickly smoke-logged one of the bedrooms.

Although the family of five, including three children, escaped unharmed, fire crews say the fire could have been far more serious.

Station officer Peter Ashworth from Whitewatch said: "This family could have died in there. A number of fire safety rules, if followed, would have stopped this fire from potentially being very serious. Fortunately, a neighbour called us, but if they hadn't, we could have been dealing with a fatal incident."

They have issued a check list for residents to keep their homes safe.

It includes:

Keeping doors shut during the night;

Never smoke in bed;

Check faulty wiring;

Fit a smoke alarm;

Plan an escape route in case of fire;

Have access to a telephone in case of emergencies.

If anyone in the area needs help with fire safety, or would like a free home check or smoke detector, call the Accrington station on 01254 235211.