Big bank holiday fire in Truro is being treated as arson

Police have confirmed that a big bank holiday fire at a derelict building in Truro is being treated as suspected arson.

Firefighters received a number of 999 calls at around 2.30am on Monday morning, reporting smoke coming from an abandoned building along Malpas Road.

Appliances from Truro, Tolvaddon and Perranporth were all called to the scene.

The two storey building was found to be well alight, and fire had spread to the roof in multiple places.

Devon and Cornwall Police were also called to the scene and a cordon was put in place.

Officers say two local men were arrested on suspicion of arson and later released under investigation.

"Police were called at 2.35am on Monday 31st August by the Fire service to Malpas Road, Truro following reports of smoke seen coming from a building.

"Fire crews put out the fire and police attended to assist with a cordon.

"The cause of the fire is currently being treated as arson and enquires are ongoing.

"Two men, aged 26 and 44, both from Truro, were arrested on suspicion of arson and later released under investigation pending further enquiries."

Devon and Cornwall Police

A joint investigation involving the police and fire service is now underway.

Timeline of what happened:

2.30am: Critical Control received a number of 999 calls reporting smoke coming from an abandoned building near Malpas in Truro.

"Appliances from Truro and Tolvaddon Fire Station were mobilised, along with a wholetime officer. On arrival the incident commander requested to make pumps 4 and an appliance from Perranporth Fire Station was alerted.

"Crews on scene reported back to Critical Control that this was a two storey building which was well alight, where fire had spread to the roof in multiple places. A further two appliances and an aerial ladder platform was requested."

Update 3.52am: "Colleagues from South West Ambulance Service and Devon and Cornwall Police are in attendance to support our crews. There are currently 8 pumping appliances and a number of supporting vehicles at the incident."

Update 6am: "A total of 16 Fire Service vehicles including 8 major appliances remain in attendance at this fire. Other specialist kit in use includes the Aerial Ladder Platform, Incident Command Unit, Environmental Support unit and the Breathing Apparatus support unit. The Fire service remains in attendance fighting the fire. It is believed that the fire service will be in attendance at this incident for much of the morning. Details will be updated as and when the incident progresses."

Update 2pm: "Most resources had returned to their home stations by mid morning. A joint Fire Investigation involving Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Fire & Rescue is still currently under way."

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

Anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/072739/20.