Four people were treated by paramedics who rescued them from a house fire which had spread to a neighbouring property.
Two fire engines arrived at William Street, Prescot, at 12.35pm today to find a fire at the rear of a property, after crews were alerted to the incident at 12.27pm.
A witness told the ECHO occupants and neighbours were rescued by a passing ambulance crew.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have since confirmed that four people were assessed at the scene by paramedics and did not require hospital treatment.
It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
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Images, shared with the ECHO, show damage caused to a window and surrounding exterior at the rear of the property, as well as fire crews at the scene.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to William Street, Prescot, on Tuesday, April 6.
"Crews were alerted at 12.27pm and on scene at 12.35pm. Two fire engines attended.
"On arrival crews found a fire at the rear of the property. The fire had spread and caused damage to the rear of the property, as well as a neighbouring property.
"Crews wearing breathing apparatus used two high pressure hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
"Four people were assessed at the scene by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment.
"It is believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
"Fire crews left the scene at 2.09pm."
An earlier version of this story reported the fire service's initial statement that an electrical fault was believed to be to blame for the fire. The fire service have subsequently confirmed the cause is now believed to be a discarded cigarette.
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