'Hoarder' warning after Camborne house fire

FIREFIGHTERS have issued warnings over the practice of hoarding after a fire in a house in Camborne yesterday.

They were called to the house in Pengegon at 6pm after smoke was seem coming out of the building.

One crew from Camborne and one from Redruth were sent to the scene, but on arrival there were fears that people were inside the house and further crews from Camborne, Penzance, Helston, St Just and Falmouth were sent.

Including 'wholetime' officers, a total of 45 firefighters were at the scene.

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The crews used six sets of breathing apparatus, two jets and one hosereel to tackle the fire within the property, and within half an hour all persons were accounted for at 1828.

Police and Ambulance were also in attendance.

A spokesman for the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the their job was made even more difficult and hazardous as it was at the home of a hoarder.

The spokesman said: "Hoarding is a serious problem across the country and jeopardises not just the occupiers of the premises but neighbours and fire-fighters.

"The increased fire loading, the possibility of hidden fire travel, difficulties in access and egress present a significant risk.

"Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is involved in the creation of a hoarding working group at present in an attempt to work with local housing providers and landlords to try and mitigate the potential risks by working with all parties including the tenant to try and educate and inform them of the dangers of hoarding and put any precautions in place to secure the safety of all concerned.

"If anyone has any concerns about hoarding and the possible dangers to friends and family or would like assistance with this problem in any way please contact Cornwall Fire and Rescue service on 0800 358 1999."