People urged to stay indoors and keep windows closed as big fire breaks out in Cornwall

Firefighters say some parts of the building have collapsed inside

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 24th Dec 2021
Last updated 24th Dec 2021

A big fire has broken out at a pub in a village on the edge of Bodmin Moor.

Firefighters from Liskeard, Callington, Launceston, St Austell, Bodmin and Looe are all on the scene in Minions.

Crews were first called just after 8am on Christmas Eve and smoke is billowing from the building.

Eyewitnesses have reported that the fire is at the historic Cheesewring Hotel, which was due to be serving Christmas meals today.

Six fire stations got the shout and the flames have spread to the upper floor and roof.

Nearby residents are being urged to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows shut.

Police have confirmed that they are manning the road closure.

A spokesperson for Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said: "At 08:21 the Critical Control Centre mobilised two appliances from Liskeard and an Officer to a residential fire.

"08:31 The first appliance in attendance made Pumps four, smoke issuing. Callington and Launceston were mobilised. Along with the Incident Command Support vehicle from Launceston and the Operational Support Vehicle from St Austell.

"08:52 Make Pumps six. Fire developing in large building, four Breathing Apparatus committed. Some parts of the building have internal collapse. Thick smoke on ground level all around incident, the main road through Minions has been closed by Fire Service vehicles. Further appliances mobilised from Bodmin and Looe.

"09:06 Fire has spread to upper floor and roof. All Firefighting will be external. Request ALP.

"09:27 Residents in area are being advised to keep all windows closed and stay indoors."

Inrix Traffic and Travel has confirmed that the road is closed due to the building fire but that traffic is coping well.

They say: "All roads through Minions have been closed to allow fire services to extinguish the fire. Affecting traffic between Upton Cross and the surrounding area of Darite."

You can find all the latest traffic and travel updates here.

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