Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service says that the blaze in a block of flats in the town’s Magnolia Court, off Bay Tree Hill, was first reported at 6.20am and, after their arrival, firefighters had to rescue two people from the building.
Crews from Liskeard, Callington, Bodmin, Lostwithiel and Looe, together with a specialist aerial ladder platform from Crownhill, Plymouth, a breathing apparatus support vehicle from St Austell and an incident command unit from St Just combined forces to fight the fire.
By 9am the incident was being sectorised and the crews were using six sets of breathing apparatus, two 13.5-metre ladders, one safety jet and three hose-reel jet to tackle the blaze, while also protecting salvageable property from the building. Streets were cordoned off during the operation.
Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement at 10.35am to say they had been informed of the fire at around 6.30am. They said their officers were supporting the fire service and at this time it is believed that all residents have been accounted for. They added that one man aged in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently awaiting questioning.