Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Helleur Close and other properties, Par at 10/02/2020 13:20

At 13:20 Critical Control received three 999 calls reporting that a residential property had been struck by lightening and caught fire. It was initially believed that people were inside the property and therefore the incident was made 'Persons Reported' (Life Risk). Three appliances were immediately mobilised: Two from St Austell and one from Fowey. A Flexi-Duty Group Manager was also mobilised.

As there was a report that the fire was spreading to neighbouring properties due to the wind, a Control Room Supervisor mobilised an additional appliance from Bodmin as well as an additional Officer, Command Unit from Launceston and an Operational Support Vehicle from St Austell.

On arrival the first crews quickly established that all persons were accounted for. Whilst there was severe damage to the roof of the property, the fire was believed to be out. 2 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus (BA) using a hose reel jet investigated the safety of the property.

At 13:51 the appliance from Bodmin was redeployed to Old Roselyon Road after reports of a fire. On arrival the crew found no fire but requested the attendance of Western Power Distribution.

At 13:55 the crews on Helleur Road sent an informative message to Critical Control stating that the incident involved two residential properties that had been struck by lightening and had structural damage. Mains electric and gas have been isolated. One casualty is in the care of the Ambulance Service.

At 14:04 the crews on Helleur Road confirmed that electrical damage had been caused to surrounding properties and Western Power Distribution were requested to this location.

14:16 - All BA wearers withdrawn. 20 metre cordon in place due to unsafe structures.

14:36 - BT sockets and equipment have been affected over a large area. Crews checking each property in the area.

14:41 - Cornwall Council Building Control in attendance.

14:57 - Assistance Message: Make Ariel Ladder Platform 1. In response Critical Control mobilised an Ariel Ladder Platform from Truro.

15:34 - Western Power Distribution and Wales and West Utilities in attendance.

16:18 - Ariel Ladder Platform in use to make unstable structure safe.

17:35 - Stop Message: Building made safe by removal of tiles.