Big fire at Christmas tree nursery in north Cornwall

The blaze broke out at CedarCroft Nurseries at St Tudy on Sunday evening

Stock image of sign for CedarCroft Nurseries at St Tudy
Author: Emma HartPublished 10th Oct 2022
Last updated 10th Oct 2022

Crews have spent the night battling a big fire at a Christmas tree nursery in north Cornwall.

The owner of CedarCroft Nurseries at St Tudy has confirmed the Christmas Shop was totally destroyed by Sunday's blaze but said it did not spread to the Christmas trees.

Firefighters from several stations were called just before 6pm and were damping down until the early hours of Monday morning.

CedarCroft posted on Facebook to thank the crews, describing the fire service as "1st class".

In a further statement released on Monday afternoon, Mark Orchard said that, luckily, no-one was hurt.

Statement from CedarCroft

Owner Mark Orchard said: "I thought it helpful if I provided an update on the fire last night at Cedar Croft Christmas Trees.

"The fire broke out in the shop, which has been completely destroyed, and contained some of our Christmas stock. At this point in time, we do not know what caused this fire.

"The Christmas Shop was closed, so unoccupied, and luckily no one was hurt.

"The fire was contained and did not spread to the Christmas Trees. I want to say a massive thanks to this big team effort by the Fire Brigade - thank you.

"We are still in shock – everyone is very upset as it is a loss of 30 years' work in building the retail aspect of our business. However, we will rebuild. Please bear with us.

"My family and I have been overwhelmed by support from the local community and my friends and family. Suppliers are being really supportive so our scheduled deliveries of Christmas stock are paused, and we are currently organising additional stock so Christmas will not be affected once we organise temporary shop space.

"Storage customers can access as usual - there was no damage to any containers.

"The café is temporarily closed at the moment and will re-open shortly.

"I will be open to sell my pumpkins as advertised on Facebook.

"I will let you know any developments as they happen. Meanwhile, thank you one and all for your support and patience".

Statement from Cornwall FRS

Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service said: "Crews from Bodmin and Delabole responded to this incident. On arrival the building was well alight and a further two pumping appliances were requested. These came from Wadebridge and Bodmin.

"The crews are dealing with a storage warehouse fully involved in fire with gas cylinders and asbestos involved".

Just after 9pm, Cornwall Fire & Rescue confirmed two major pumping appliances and a light 4x4 remained at the scene damping down.

At midnight they added that one appliance from Padstow remained on scene damping down hotspots and using two hose reel jets.

By 2am, all appliances had left the scene.

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