Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Newquay at 12/07/2020 21:23

At 21:23 Critical Control received a 999 call reporting that there was a fire in a residential address and that the occupant was unable to leave because of a possible medical condition. As the occupant was confirmed to be inside, the incident was made 'Persons Reported' and three appliances were immediately mobilised (two from Newquay and one from Perranporth). Two Wholetime Station Managers were also mobilised to the incident. At the same time both South Western Ambulance Service and Devon & Cornwall Police were requested.

On arrival one elderly occupant was rescued by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus. This update was passed to Critical Control as well as an urgent request for an ambulance as the occupant had suffered smoke inhalation and had difficulty breathing. This was relayed to Ambulance Control who upgraded the incident as immediately life threatening and an ambulance arrived within 8 minutes.

Devon & Cornwall Police attended the scene and satisfied that the fire was extinguished and the casualty was being treated by ambulance crews there was no further need for police involvement.

The cause was accidental and is believed to have initially been caused by a tea towel having caught fire on a stove.