Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Trevithick Road, St Austell at 24/10/2007 18:55

Firefighters from St Austell and Mevagissey were called to a fire in a block of flats in Trevithick Road, St Austell at 6.55pm last night.

The emergency call was made by one of the people trapped inside the flats. Fire control operators reassured them that the fire service would be with them within minutes.

When the firefighters arrived they found a fire in the stairway of the property. This was blocking the exit of the residents who were trapped in the flats on the first and second floors.

Wearing breathing apparatus firefighters quickly extinguished the fire whilst their colleagues outside reassured the people in the flats of their safety. Minutes later they led four people, including children, to safety. They were all given oxygen until the arrival of paramedics.

“The firefighters quick response and actions prevented this fire from having devastating consequences” said Assistant Divisional Officer Mark Hewitt

He cont: “Fire investigators and police scenes of crime officers are treating the fire as suspicious. An investigation is still underway. Anyone with information can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”