A TEENAGER rescued from a house fire in Barnoldswick has died.

Doctors had hoped that Andrew Fenwick, 18, would pull through, but despite their efforts he did not recover.

Now the firefighters who battled to save his life are hoping the tragedy will motivate others to get a smoke alarm.

Ray Bowker, station commander at Barnoldswick Fire Station, said: "This is an appalling tragedy and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to Andrew's parents, relatives and friends.

"Barnoldswick is a small and close community and I know everyone will be touched by the extreme sadness."

Fire crews from Barnoldswick have been knocking door-to-door in the area since the blaze in Cecil Street to offer fire safety advice and fit smoke alarms.

"There was no smoke detector in Andrew's home, which we believe could have saved his life," said Mr Bowker.

Station officer Paul Briggs added: "The fire service is throwing all resources into this area to make the community safer."

Two neighbours tried to help Andrew escape by putting a ladder up to an upstairs window where he was shouting for help, but they were beaten back by flames.

Two pet dogs also died in the blaze, which occurred on Sunday February 13.

Investigations are still continuing, but it is believed the fire started due to an electrical fault.

Andrew, a construction student at Burnley College, died at Bolton Hospital on Sunday. An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at Burnley Coroner's Court on Wednesday.

Coroner's officer Richard Taylor said a post mortem revealed the cause of death to be adult respiratory distress syndrome due to smoke inhalation. The inquest has been adjourned until the completion of a fire investigation report.