No one injured as big blaze breaks out in historic pub on Bodmin Moor
The Cheesewring Hotel was due to be serving Christmas meals
Last updated 24th Dec 2021
It has been confirmed that no one has been injured after a big blaze broke out at a historic pub on Bodmin Moor.
Firefighters from six towns across Cornwall were called to Minions just after 8am on Christmas Eve.
The Cheesewring Hotel was found to be well alight with smoke billowing from the building, which has tragically been gutted by the flames.
Photos from the scene show the roof has been completely destroyed and interior parts of the structure have collapsed.
The pub was due to be serving Christmas meals.
Locals have been rallying around to show their support.
The road through the village has been closed off and residents are still being urged to stay indoors with their windows shut because of the smoke.
'It is devastating for the pub and village'
Mark Hewitt is the incident commander at the scene.
He told us: "On arrival the troops were faced with a fairly ferocious fire, a lot of smoke issuing, they did manage to get inside to fight the fire but the internal structures were already compromised, so they had to come out and fight it externally.
"The weather has helped us a bit with the rain suppressing the fire but the high winds have very much been against us.
"The local village has all rallied around, helping out with welfare and offers of support.
"Thankfully no one has been hurt in the building, everyone is accounted for which is the most important bit.
"The building is gutted from floor to ceiling, so it is completely destroyed. Luckily the buildings that surround it have been kept safe from any transfer of fire.
"It's devastating for the owners and for the village to lose their pub this close to Christmas and there will be a fire investigation in due course."
Timeline of what happened
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.
12:19 Crews are making good progress six major appliance and multiple specialist appliances remain on scene, crew are currently re distributing resources on scene with a view to scaling back shortly.
20:30hrs - The incident has scaled back and one appliance remains on scene at this time. Currently the plan is to have an appliance there most of the night monitoring any hotspots.