A SETTEE and chair were set on fire after being left outside the door of a flat in Ellenshaw Close, Darwen.

It is believed children were responsible for starting the blaze which forced about 10 residents to leave their homes at 8pm yesterday when the communal staircase became smoke logged.

Two people used buckets of water to put out the blaze before firefighters arrived.

Sub Officer Alan Burgess of Darwen Fire Station said: "We want to remind people of the dangers of leaving rubbish and unwanted items near to doors.

"This fire could have easily been a lot more serious."

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