Police update on cause of fire that triggered major incident on Cornish peninsula
Devon and Cornwall Police were leading a multi-agency response after the blaze broke out at a barn on Rame Head
Last updated 3rd Mar 2021
The cause of the huge farm fire on Cornwall's Rame Peninsula is believed to be accidental.
The blaze tore through a barn near Millbrook on Wednesday afternoon (3rd March), sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident, due to the large amount of fuel that was burning and exploding gas cylinders.
Residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed, amid fears chemicals in the smoke could be harmful.
However, emergency services say the risk has now greatly reduced and the cordons have now been lifted.
At its height, firefighters from Torpoint, Saltash, Liskeard, Looe, Launceston and across the border in Devon were battling the blaze.
Crews from Torpoint and Looe were working to cool the fire and extinguish it completely, as of 9.30pm on Wednesday evening.
Drone footage of the site has confirmed that although the fertiliser was affected by the heat, it is no longer a hazard.
"The incident is no longer being treated as a major incident and risk has been greatly reduced. Fire crews are continuing to cool the fire to extinguish it completely.
"A drone from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service was used to survey the fertiliser and, although it was affected by heat, no longer presents a hazard.
"Fire crews from Torpoint and Looe remain at the scene, with all other resources returning.
"A fire investigation has been conducted and the cause is accidental".
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
Devon and Cornwall Police have shared the following update, to thank people for their help and patience.
"The fire has now been brought under control and the emergency service response is being scaled back. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service will be remaining at the scene to dampen down the fire.
"The cause of the fire is not thought to be suspicious at this time.
"There is no ongoing public safety concerns so the cordon and road closures have been lifted.
"Due to a spillage of diesel there is evidence of slight surface water contamination of a local stream that leads to the sea at Cawsand. The Environment Agency are monitoring the water quality and are confident the effects will be minimal, and the contamination will disperse naturally.
"We would like to thank the public for their assistance and patience as emergency services responded to this incident".
Devon and Cornwall Police
Read More:
Major incident declared in Cornwall as farm fire causes gas cylinders to explode
Serious farm fire in Cornwall sparks warning about 'chemical hazard'