FIREfighters were called to an address in Nelson on Tuesday night after a hoax call was made.

One the crew arrived at the house in Reedyford Road after receiving a call from a mobile number stating a house was on fire. After an investigation, it was determined that the call was in fact a hoax call.

A fire service spokesman said: “The appliance was engaged for approximately 30 minutes ensuring it was in fact a hoax call, during this time the appliance was not available to attend any further calls”

And he warned: “Malicious calls cost lives and fire engines may be required elsewhere in the district for critical incidents.”