AN URGENT hunt was launched today for a fireraiser who is being blamed for a dozen blazes in 48 hours - as fire chiefs warned the culprit could kill.

Padiham's Co-op store had to be evacuated and firefighters were put at risk when it became one of the latest targets in the town yesterday afternoon.

An arson attempt was also made at the Kwik Save supermarket and there was a skip fire in Partridge Hill at the same time as a fire which gutted a flat above a former pet shop in Burnley Road.

The series of blazes began with rubbish fires in the Station Road and Lune Street areas of town between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday but the incidents have been getting more and more serious.

Leading firefighter Nick Sutcliffe said: "We have now had 12 to 13 deliberately started fires in 48 hours.

"A pattern is emerging and whoever is responsible will be caught. We are appealing for anyone with information to tell the police because this needs to be stopped before someone is badly hurt." He added: "We are going out so often that we may not be available when a serious incident occurs.''

Fire crews from Burnley and Accrington have been called in to help deal with the incidents.

Customers and staff were evacuated from the Co-op store as a precaution when a fire was started in a cardboard store at the back of the premises.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "It was a raging fire which was difficult to deal with in low roofed contained area in which it would have been easy for people to be trapped. ''

Crews were at the scene for an hour before it was safe for the shop to be re-opened.

A similar incident happened at the Kwik Save store at about 9pm but was quickly dealt with before it could spread.

Mr Sutcliffe said: "I am sure these fires are being started by the same person or persons.

"It is only a matter of time before they are caught.''

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact police on 01282 425001.

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