The blaze happened on Sunday morning at a house close to the town's fire station. The occupant, who has not been named, was treated at the scene by fire and ambulance crews but declined hospital treatment.

The blaze happened around 9-30 a.m. in Jagoe Mews. Firefighters from Earby and Barnoldswick were called to the scene.

Watch Manager Chris Nuttall, of Earby Fire Station, said: "When we arrived, two lads in breathing apparatus went into the kitchen. The occupant had been trying to put out the fire himself and was just about to keel over thanks to the smoke. He was on his knees.

"They helped him out of the house and he was treated with oxygen by firefighters until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics then took over. They intended to take him to hospital, but he declined treatment. The fire was caused by a fault in an extractor fan."

WM Nuttall added: "There was a smoke alarm in the building - but no battery. If people need help with smoke alarms, free, they can call the Fire Safety Advice Line on 0800 169 1125."

The blaze caused severe fire damage to most of the kitchen and there was severe smoke damage to most of the ground floor. There was moderate smoke damage to the upper floor.