Huge fire tears through building at industrial estate on Isles of Scilly
Firefighters from across the islands were scrambled on Tuesday morning, along with coastguard crews and police
A huge fire has broken out an industrial estate on the Isles of Scilly.
Smoke was seen billowing from the building on St Mary's early on Tuesday morning (6th July).
Firefighters called in back-up from across the islands, some of whom were brought to the scene by ambulance boat.
They also requested the assistance of oastguard crews and police, after the flames broke through the roof.
At one stage, the fire was so severe that it was too dangerous for crews to enter.
They were battling the blaze for several hours, however Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service has since confirmed it is out.
They say an investigation officer will be sent over from the mainland later on Tuesday, to try to work out how it started.
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said: "At 05:17 we received a 999 call reporting smoke coming from a building on an industrial estate on St Marys. Two appliances were mobilised from St Mary's Fire Station.
"On arrival crews reported smoke issuing from the building, measuring 15m x 10m.
"At 05:38 a request was made for assistance from neighbouring island Fire Stations, followed at 05:39 by a request for all available firefighters on the islands.
"Further assistance messages were received at 05:40 for Coastguard and 05:45 for Police.
"At 05:46 4 crews wearing breathing apparatus were using main jets to try to extinguish the fire.
"At 05:49 a message was sent that the fire had broken through the roof of the building.
"At 05:58 Critical Control requested the Ambulance Boat to assist with transporting firefighters from other islands to St Mary's.
"At 06:20 crews confirmed that the fire was under control but that it was still too dangerous for crews to enter the building.
"At 06:53 a message was sent that the fire was now extinguished. 6 breathing apparatus crews were attempting to ventilate the property.
"At 07:22 crews were starting to ventilate other industrial units individually to clear smoke using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans.
"The incident was managed by Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service supported by a Wholetime Group Manager from the mainland.
"The cause of the fire is unknown and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will be sending a Fire Investigation Officer to St Mary's from the mainland later this morning to conduct an investigation as part of our mutual aid agreement".
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service