fishing port blaze

Fire crews battle fishing port blaze

Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 09:02

FIRE CREWS are investigating a suspected arson at an historic Westcoutnry fishing port.

Five crews were sent to the heart of Looe at 1.26am today after fish stores on The Quay were deliberately set alight.

A fire was started in one store room at the quayside fish market and has badly damaged two adjacent rooms, forcing the evacuation of neighbouring buildings.

Two appliances from Looe, one appliance from Liskeard and two appliances from Bodmin were called to the fire in the early hours of this morning and faced danger of explosion as a gas cannister in the building 'vented' due to the heat of the blaze.

The building, measuring approximately five metres by three metres, was found to be well alight on arrival of the crews.

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Wearing two breathing apparatus and using two hose reels and two monitors the fire was brought under control. A propane cylinder vented whilst crews were at a safe distance.

Properties in the immediate area were evacuated but everyone has now returned home, advice was also given in regard to the smoke plume and keeping doors and windows closed. One flat was found to be occupied at the time of the blaze and the residents were asked to leave their home.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and details have been passed to Devon and Cornwall Police who will be investigating further.