ROSSENDALE has seen a rise in the number of house fires caused by people under the influence of drink or drugs.

Fire chiefs are launching a campaign to highlight the dangers of leaving unattended food cooking which has led to house fires in Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Bacup.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman John Taylor said: “We do recognise that alcohol is often a contributory factor because people drop their guard.

“Sometimes our firefighters have rescued people where the smoke alarm has been sounding in the property and the occupants have been oblivious to the consequences.”

Crews are teaming up with Inspire, the new substance misuse agency based at the top of Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, to educate people.

The rates of accidental house fires in the Valley showed rises for 2009-10, compared to the previous year’s figures.

Between April and June the level increased by more than 23 per cent and this was followed by hikes of around 17, five and eight per cent over the following three months.

Only Hyndburn, across East Lancashire, showed similar rises across the same area.

Working with Inspire, the fire service has already held a joint meeting with police, East Lancashire Primary Care Trust and housing landlords to discuss the issue.

Mr Taylor said: “Due to the increasing amount of alcohol-related fires this was an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness and highlight the associated key fire safety issues and consequences.”