Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 08/06/2005 03:30

Firefighters from Cornwall County Fire Brigade fought through the night to extinguish a fire at the Ambassador Hotel, Mount Wise, Newquay. This is the second time a fire has occurred at the derelict property.

Due to the size of the building over 50 firefighters were called from Newquay, St Columb, Perranporth, Truro, Bodmin and St Dennis. The 999 call came at 3.30am and the fire was completely extinguished at 6.42am.

Sub Officer Steve Wilkinson describes what happened:

“The fire started on the top floor of the derelict hotel, so the firefighters had a particularly difficult job. The property was unstable and debris was continuously falling on them.

“We initially thought that there may be people still inside but after a breathing apparatus team searched vigilantly we established that there was not.

“Aware of the safety of our firefighters we began to tackle the blaze from the outside of the property, using the two Aerial Ladder Platforms, until it was safe for the crews to re-enter”

The fire spread through the roof of the property but the firefighters quickly managed to get it under control and extinguish it completely without anyone being hurt.
A fire investigation team has been at the scene all morning and have concluded that it was started deliberately.

“The Ambassador Hotel had been secured by a professional company but unfortunately someone still managed to get in. Anyone owning a derelict or unoccupied property should be extra vigilant when securing it” said Davinia Grist, Public Relations Officer

She cont: “The Brigade has a wealth of fire investigation knowledge and investigates all suspicious fires. Anyone with information on this incident should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”