An update has been given into a serious fire in Camborne this morning that saw crews from eight fire stations battling flames for five and a half hours.

Critical Control Centre first received a 999 call at 4.15am today reporting smoke coming from the roof of a community building in Lower Pengegon. 

It was originally described by the fire service as a residential building, but has now been updated.

Two crews were initially sent from Tolvaddon Fire Station along with a group manager from Penzance.

Almost immediately they called for back up, which came from Falmouth and Perranporth fire stations, as well as an additional station manager from Bodmin, an incident command unit from St Just and an operational support unit from Falmouth.

At this point Network Rail was warned of the incident due to the proximity of the Cornish main line to the fire, but there was no disruption to trains because of this incident.

Falmouth Packet:

Fire engines at Lower Pengegon. Photo: Perranporth Fire Station 

At 4.55am a further two crews were sent from Truro and Helston, with an aerial ladder platform called for just before 5.20am. 

A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has now said: "In summary, there was a significant fire on the first floor.

"Four breathing apparatus wearers were committed for internal firefighting, however this was hindered by the intense heat inside.

"Multiple hose reel jets were used to attack the fire externally through windows.

"The fire was extinguished by 9:49am.

"The cause was accidental and the fire spread from the point of origin."

Group Manager Mark Salter, Station Manager Rich Gibbons and Cornwall's Chief Fire Officer Mark Hewitt were the officers involved in the incident.