CHILDREN had a narrow escape after starting a fire which spread to a garage containing two propane gas cylinders.

And today firefighters stressed that youngsters who light bonfires are putting their lives at risk.

Children were seen behind Water County Primary School in Rossendale, before the blaze at 6.44pm last night.

One garage was destroyed and two others were damaged. They belonged to Mr Terry Heyes of Burnley Road East, whose Morris Minor car was also wrecked.

Rawtenstall fire crews managed to prevent flames from reaching the two propane cylinders.

Leading firefighter Andrew Smith said: "It is the season for children to start bonfires.

"We want to warn them that they are risking their own lives as well as those of the public."

Police are investigating the fire.

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