Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Queens Wharf, Falmouth Docks, Falmouth at 08/01/2003 02:30

Cornwall County Fire Brigade were informed at 2.30am of a fire, which had started in Queens Wharf at Falmouth Docks. Three crews from Falmouth, two crews from Truro, one crew from Redruth, one crew from Helston, one crew from St Keverne, one crew from Newquay and one from Penzance have fought the fire throughout the night. The Coastguard, Police, Ambulance, lifeboats and docks personnel have also been working with the Brigade to put out the fire.

The 630 foot dock was burning from end to end, but now, about 90% has been extinguished. The wharf is mainly made of wood. A crane fell into the sea and a tug, moored alongside, had to be pulled clear by the Falmouth Lifeboat. Five members of the crew on board were treated for smoke inhalation.

Assistant Divisional Officer Chris Ruberry said “We are now doing an investigation into the cause of the fire. We have our fire investigation team, the arson task force and our sniffer dog 'Nelson' working together but it could be some time before we find a cause".

At this time the investigation team are interviewing witnesses and dock workers to see if they can provide any clues into what could have caused the fire.

A crew from St Austell are in a boat surveying the wharf looking for hotspots and any potential places where it could reignite. Firefighters from Falmouth will remain at the dock for the rest of the day and night, just in case it should set alight again.