A PENSIONER was rescued by firefighters from his burning flat in a sheltered accommodation complex.
Leslie Eccleston, 67, suffered the effects of severe smoke inhalation in the fire in Bowland Court, Lowergate, Clitheroe, at 5pm yesterday.
He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where his condition was "comfortable".
Station Officer Dave McGrath said: "The man was in his second-floor flat and was overcome by smoke. Four firefighters rescued him and paramedics treated him outside.
"A couple of minutes later and the situation could have been different. He is lucky to be alive."
Firefighters are now investigating the possibility that the fire may have been caused by a chip pan.
The flat's kitchen was left with severe heat damage, while the rest of the property sustained smoke damage. The flat below suffered slight water damage.
Other residents in the complex were forced to evacuate the building after the fire alarm was sounded.
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