Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Penryn at 25/08/2003 01:33

Cornwall County Fire Brigade received a call at 0133 hours to an address at Truro Lane, Penryn. The call received at Fire Control stated that it was a bedroom fire.
Two appliances from Falmouth were mobilised to the incident and an officer (ADO Ruberry) also attended.
Further calls were received for the incident with one stating that persons were still inside.
On arrival two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus using a hosereel were committed at the scene. In total four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed.
One female was pronounced dead at the scene, further casualties were removed to hospital by ambulance.
Brigade personnel were at the scene for some considerable time investigating the cause of the fire.
A full investigation is underway involving other blue light agencies to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the fatality.
The Brigade is full of praise to members of the household and neighbours, also the attending crews in their efforts to rescue the deceased.
Preliminary (and we must state ''preliminary'') investigations indicate the source of ignition to be either a candle or discarded smoking material. The public should always be aware of the dangers associated with unattended candles or smoking materials, and they should always check the building to ensure candles etc. are extinguished before they retire to bed at night.
The Brigade must stress the importance of having a smoke alarm fitted, although this may not have prevented this unfortunate fatality, it would give an early warning to members of the household and make them aware that there is a problem.
Cornwall Fire Brigade wish to offer their sympathies to the relatives and friends of the deceased at this unfortunate incident.

Related item: http://mirror/fire/fsafety/fs01b.htm