Firefighters battle 'devastating' house fire near Truro

Firefighters from across Cornwall scrambled to tackle a blaze in the roof of a home near Truro yesterday.

A 999 call was received at around 12.30pm and two fire engines rushed to the scene.

On arrival, the crews found the residential property on Eglos Road, Shortlanesend, burning so strongly that they requested extra help.

By 1.40pm, five fire appliances from Truro, Tolvaddon, Perranporth and Newquay were at the scene – including an “Arial ladder platform” from Truro, which was used to reach the burning roof space of the 10x5m property.

Two firemen – kitted out with breathing apparatus – used a hose to fight the fire, with crews using a thermal imaging camera to better understand the blaze.

Crews from Truro used an “Arial ladder platform” to spray the roof fire from above. (Image: James Unglow)

Bystanders spotted firemen entering the building wearing full protective gear through the garage, which had been wedged open.

The residents of the burning house were reportedly away in Plymouth for the day, and were alerted to the fire by missed calls and messages – receiving devastating photographs as they raced home.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

James Uglow, who lives up the road, said: “It was quite frightening”

“All of the houses here are similar, and it really puts things into perspective – this could happen to anyone.”

He told The Packet that he felt powerless as he watched the loft – which he pointed out often contains a family’s “memories” – completely ablaze.

“There was nothing I could do that would make a difference, with firefighters on scene working on it,” he added.

He decided to set up a fundraiser to help the residents of the house, as well as the attached neighbouring property that was damaged by hose water in the "devastating" incident.

He reached out to the neighbours affected, and said that “incredibly generous” donations have been coming in steadily since launching the appeal.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page has raised £625 through 31 donations.

Donations can be made online at: https://gofund.me/eff9dd5f0

James Unglow was alerted to the fire when he noticed several emergency service vehicles driving past his window. (Image: James Unglow)

Mr Uglow added: “In this day and age, we often don’t even know our own neighbours.

“I’m just doing what I can to help.

“I can't imagine how awful it must be to for the family in this situation.”

The fire was confirmed to be extinguished at 3pm, with Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service announcing that an investigation will be held to establish its cause.

The road was closed by police for several hours whilst the fire was being tackled, and has since reopened.