The Hotel California investigation following the devastating fire at an abandoned building

The cause of a huge fire at a hotel in Cornwall is being investigated by police. The California Hotel, in Newquay, caught fire on the afternoon of Sunday 30 June, prompting a major emergency response.

Smoke could be seen. At least ten fire engines were called to the scene to battle the blaze in Pentire Crescent as thick black smoke could be seen filling the sky.

Eyewitnesses said they could see smoke from miles away. One person said at the time: “The Hotel California is Newquay is currently on fire. I was just out walking the dog – called the fire brigade at 4.15pm – they were on their way. It has been fully implemented now. The whole building is going. .”

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The police are now investigating the cause of the fire, almost 48 hours after receiving the call. Firefighters worked tirelessly overnight Sunday to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.

Anyone who may have information that could assist police in their ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire is asked to call 101, quoting crime. 50240161198.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police are investigating the circumstances of a fire at the disused California Hotel, Newquay. Officers were first called at around 4.50pm on Sunday June 30 to assist firefighters as they dealt with the blaze. The fire has been extinguished and no injuries have been reported at this time.

Firefighters and police were still at the scene of the devastated Hotel California yesterday morning (Monday, July 1) after fire crews worked through the night to extinguish the blaze.

CornwallLive was told on Sunday that there was concern that someone could have been trapped inside the hotel in the fire, as the site is known to be used by homeless people. Fortunately, it has since been confirmed that no one was injured in the fire.

More on the Hotel California fire:

In February, CornwallLive reported that the hotel was to be demolished ahead of a new development. The planning was approved by Cornwall Council before the dramatic fire broke out.

The new development was expected to see the hotel complex brought to the ground before being replaced by a residential development. The former hotel closed in November 2021 with a design and access statement submitted with the planning application stating that “after years of constant decay, the hotel has become obsolete and in a state of disrepair”.

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