An investigation has been launched to determined the cause of yesterday's fire which saw nine Burnley homes evacuated, police said.

Around 36 residents of Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley, were evacuated when fire ripped through the roof of a mid-terrace property at around 11.50am yesterday.

Burnley crew manager Kieron Ogden said: “When we arrived we could see smoke coming from three roofs.

"We quickly established the fire had been contained to the one property.

“The owner of the house was inside fetching out his belongings and we had to treat him for smoke inhalation at the scene.

“The fire had started in the loft and completely burnt away the timbers supporting the roof.

“We had to remove a large number of slates from the roof to protect passers by and to stop them falling into the house.

“Once the fire was out we then had to spend time weather proofing the property with tarpaulin.

“Despite, the length of fire it was contained to the loft which meant it is safe for the owners to remain in the property if they seek the help of an electrician.”

One Lowerhouse Lane resident, who was evacuated with her three children, said: "I've got absolutely no idea how it started.

"All I know is we got a knock on the door and we were told to get out of the house.

"I could see the smoke pouring from the roof.

"It feels like we have been stood out here hours in the cold.

"It must be nearly two hours now."

Another neighbour said: "I just heard all the commotion from the fire engines just before 12pm.

"I could see smoke pouring from the roof but no flames.

"It's a shame for the family that live there.

“I just hope the damage isn’t too severe but that hole in the roof does not look good.”

A police spokesman said: “We got a call from a member of the public around 11.50am.

"Officers helped cordon off the road and evacuated nearby residents at risk from the fire.

“Buses were also diverted down Liverpool Road and other traffic was managed.”

A spokesman from the North West Ambulance Service said: “We did attend the scene after receiving a call about a patient suffering from smoke inhalation.

"However, when we arrived the patient refused treatment and the ambulance was stood down.”