House fire 'started by firework'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/cornwall/8345902.stm

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A woman has died in a house fire in Cornwall which neighbours suggested was started deliberately by a firework.

Thirty firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze at the three-storey building in Wallace Road, Bodmin, on Thursday night.

The unnamed 59-year-old woman died at the scene. Her 17-year-old son escaped after jumping from the first floor after she helped him to a window.

Police said a major investigation had been started into the fire's cause.

Heat exhaustion

A passer-by spotted the fire at about 1915 BST on Thursday and alerted the emergency services.

Fire officers went into the house to try and rescue her, but they were beaten back by the flames and smoke.

Steve Halstead of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two of the crew made valiant efforts to effect a rescue of the lady but were beaten back.

"They did all they could but ended up suffering heat exhaustion, which they were treated for."

Neighbours on the estate told the BBC the fire might have been started deliberately by a firework put through a letter box or cat flap.

Police said they could not comment on whether a firework was involved, but added they would know more after a thorough examination of the property was carried out.

However, the investigation has been hampered by the fact the building was so badly damaged and officers have not had full access to the property.

Police said that they would be speaking to neighbours and to the woman's son.

The 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital after treatment. He was later released.