Fears for man and dog who live in van that was destroyed by fire alongside A390 near Truro

Mike Taylor

21 April 2024 at 10:42 am·2-min read

The aftermath of a van and boat fire off the A390 in Threemilestone near Penstraze -Credit:Maddie Bawden

Locals are concerned about the safety of a man who has been living in a van after it was destroyed by fire. The van and boat went up in flames at about 5am today (Sunday, April 21) according to a witness.

Local Maddie Bawden said an "older man" and his dog live in the vehicle off the A390 at Threemilestone near Penstraze on the outskirts of Truro, towards Chiverton Cross. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it attended the blaze and a crew from Truro Fire Station responded.

Firefighters quickly set to work to extinguish the flames that had engulfed the vehicles alongside the road. The blaze was extinguished and the van and boat were both destroyed, with few items salvageable.

It is locally believed the van was occupied by a man and his dog, while the boat had been at the location for several years.

Maddie said: "The owner of the van was living in the van with his dog along Penstraze on the outskirts of Truro. The photos show the damage from the fire and what remains.

"Not only did the van go up in flames but an old boat that had been there for many years. The man now hasn’t been found to my knowledge and many people have called the police hoping the man and dog are safe.

"He was an older man and wasn’t causing any trouble."

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Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "One pumping appliance from Truro responded to this incident. On arrival, a fire involving a panel van and a boat was discovered.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus sets used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire."

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