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Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk
Lives Put At Risk By Hoax Call
Wharfside, Penzance at 26/08/2005 19:37
Appliances from Penzance and St Just responded when a child reported a kitchen fire in a flat. Following a search of the area the crews determined the call was a hoax. The crews were not available for 30 minutes whilst investigating this call. If a genuine emergency had occured in the Penzance or St Just areas during this time, there may have been a delay in crews responding, potentially putting lives at risk.
It is illegal to make a hoax emergency call; if prosecuted a hoax caller may face a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. The Brigade ALWAYS treat hoax calls very seriously and the police are now investigating. If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 08452 777 444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Date Posted: 27/08/2005