Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Launcells, Bude at 10/01/2024 20:02

Fire Control received a 999 call reporting a fire in a barn attached to a residential property. Two appliances were initially mobilised from Bude, however based on the remote location and poor water supplies, Fire Control requested a third appliance from Holsworthy and a Water Carrier from Barnstaple via Devon & Somerset Fire Control. Two Station Managers were also mobilised to the incident as Incident Commander and Hazardous Materials Advisor respectively.

On arrival crews found the barn, measuring 20m x 10m, well alight with fire spreading to an adjoining property. A number of hazards were present including fuel and gas cylinders. After conducting a full assessment the initial incident commander sent a Make Pumps 4 assistance message for additional water and breathing apparatus, and a fourth appliance was mobilised from Launceston. Additional Special Appliances were also mobilised to support the incident including an Operational Support Unit from St Austell and Welfare Unit from Perranporth.

A short time later a further Make Pumps 6 assistance message was sent, resulting in appliances being mobilised from Launceston and Hartland.

A command structure was implemented to support the management of the incident, with a Station Manager as Incident Commander, Watch Manager as Operations Commander and Crew Manager as Safety Officer. An Environmental Risk Assessment was conducted and the impact on the environment was deemed to be low.

By 22:54 the fire was deemed to be under control, however due to the structure of the building, firefighters were withdrawing from the risk area. Two appliances remain in attendance from Padstow and Bodmin to monitor the fire and extinguish any hotspots or flare ups. A further review will take place tomorrow morning.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and will be subject to a full fire investigation at a later stage.