At 02:25 Falmouth Coastguard requested that the Falmouth Inshore Lifeboat be launched to act as a standby vessel for the Fire Brigade at Islington Wharf in the Penryn River where there was a major fire, which had taken hold in a series of waterside buildings.

The Inshore Lifeboat launched from her slipway at 02:32 and headed up river to Penryn Quay where they arrived at 02:42 and were briefed by the officer in charge. There were over 80 fire fighters at the scene of the fire further along commercial road opposite Islington Wharf with ten fire appliances, two ariel platforms and a number of other ancillary vehicles.

The inshore lifeboat was tasked to relocate to an area near to Islington Wharf where they could stand off and monitor the situation from a safe distance. As the fire brigade brought the fire under control they were concerned that their officers would be working close to the waters edge and might either fall into the water or need to be evacuated if the situation changed. There was also concern that owners of the various houseboats nearby might try and move their boats.

The inshore lifeboat remained on scene until 04:30 when it was confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and the risk to personnel and public was no longer a concern, the inshore lifeboat being then released to return to station.

The Inshore Lifeboat was back on its slipway by 04:45 where it was refuelled, rehoused and was ready for service by 05:00.

The fire had broken out just after midnight in a large furniture store and had taken hold very quickly.

An Inshore Lifeboat Service

 

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