Firefighters rushed to a flat in Helston after receiving a 999 call which was abandoned before any information, including the address, was given to fire control.
Phone operators received the emergency call in which they could clearly hear a fire alarm sounding, but could not make contact with the caller.
Using technology available in the Critical Control Centre they were able to pinpoint the location of the caller, on Trengrouse Way, and quickly despatched the firefighters to the property.
When they arrived they discovered a small fire in the kitchen of a flat, and after tackling the blaze they gave oxygen to an occupant who was suffering from smoke inhalation.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Following an abandoned 999 call, firefighters from Helston and Mullion were mobilised.
"Smoke alarms could clearly be heard but no contact could be made with the caller.
"On arrival, the fire crews found that there was a small fire in a kitchen of a flat in a block of four, measuring seven metres by eight metres.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hosereel to extinguish the fire. Oxygen was administered to an occupant who was suffering the effects of smoke inhalation, until the arrival of an Ambulance.
"This incident demonstrates the importance of working smoke alarms in your home.
"Even though the caller was unable to speak, using technology available in the Critical Control Centre and what could be heard on the telephone line, firefighters were dispatched immediately to help someone in trouble."
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