FIREFIGHTERS tackled a fire at a house in Widnes last night.
The blaze broke out in the front porch of a semi-detached house in Burnsall Drive, Hough Green, shortly before 11pm.
The porch was well alight when crews arrived.
Firefighters believe a discarded cigarette caused the fire.
Three fire appliances were used to fight the blaze which spread to the first floor.
A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “A third fire engine was requested for manpower.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze on the first floor, while two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel and a covering jet from outside the house.
“No one was injured and the house next door was evacuated while the incident was dealt with.
“The fire is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.”
A large fan was used to clear the smoke once the fire was extinguished and the gas and electrics were isolated.
Crews removed roof tiles from the porch and used a thermal imaging camera to check for hotspots.
The loft was also checked and firefighters confirmed the fire had not spread into that area.
Crews were at the scene for around 90 minutes.
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