THE first pictures inside the homes devastated by a huge fire on Wednesday have been released by Cornwall Council.

Four properties suffered fire damage in the early hours of Wednesday morning and the residents of those properties have been helped to find temporary accommodation, some with friends and relatives, whilst one elderly resident was found temporary accommodation in a nearby Care Home.

The other residents of Merrifield Close have been able to return to their properties. Housing officers have been providing help and support to those affected and sorting out their longer term housing needs.

Due to the fire damage, some residents will not be able to return to their accommodation in the short term and the housing team will continue to help them.

An investigation into the causes of the fire is underway.

Andrew Mitchell, Cabinet portfolio holder for homes said: “I want to say thank you to the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service for their rapid and professional response and to the local community, Cornwall Housing and Adult Social Care staff as everyone works together across the Council to help those affected by the fire at Merrifield Close. Thankfully everyone is safe and that is the main thing.”

Group Manager Justin Sharp, who attended the scene, praised the local community and all the emergency services who helped to ensure people were evacuated to safety whilst a significant fire was brought quickly under control. Fire investigators are on the scene this morning and the investigation continues.

Local Cornwall Council member, David Harris said: “Thankfully everybody is ok following last night’s fire. Cornwall Housing are now looking to ensure people have somewhere to go tonight. The fire service has been brilliant and responded very quickly and the fire investigators are on their way down. The local community in the area have been amazing and have pulled together to helped one another – showing a real sense of community spirit.”

The police are currently appealing for witnesses to the incident, anyone with information is asked to contact us via 101 quoting crime reference CR/051662/18.

* A 40-year-old man from Truro has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent and is currently in police custody awaiting further questioning.