AN ARSON investigation is underway after fire broke out in a disused meat factory at Probus last night.
The Plant used to be the most important in Cornwall founded by Henry Nichols in the fifties, taken over by Zwananbergs in the sixties and St Merryn Meat in the nineties.
Around 40 firefighters from stations in the area fought the blaze at the old St Merryn Meat factory in St Austell Road, Probus.
The alarm was raised before 8pm and the heart of the fire was located in an office on the first floor of the 20 metres by 10 metres building.
The fire was confined to the office complex part of the building and, through the hard efforts of the fire crews, wearing breathing apparatus, the majority of the building was saved from damage.
The factory closed in August 2002 after the cattle industry had been devastated by restrictions imposed during the foot and mouth crisis.
St Merryn Meat, who had other premises in Cornwall as well as Wales, later sold out to Scottish based Grampian County Food Group.
There are plans to develop the site for housing.
Two jets were in use and firefighters had been brought in from Truro, St Dennis, St Austell, Perranporth, Mevagissey and Newquay.
The aerial ladder platform from Truro was brought in at 10pm to assist firefighters in determining the extent of the fire damage. The roads around the site were closed to protect the public and to allow access for the fire appliances and equipment.
By 10.40pm the fire had been brought under control. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus continued to damp down.
Two pumping appliances and the aerial ladder platform remained in attendance.
All other fire appliances left the scene and the roads surrounding the site were re-opened.
With arson is suspected as the cause of the fire, a joint investigation began involving Fire Investigation Officers and the Police.
Did you see the fire or you have a picture? Contact Colin Gregory on 01872 247412.
