Businesses thank crews after ‘huge wildfire’

A golf club has thanked firefighters for preventing a large wildfire near Mawgan Porth from causing more serious damage.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service was called to what it described as a “significant fire” between Mawgan Porth Golf Club and a nearby solar farm at about 4pm on Tuesday.

A large plume of smoke could be seen across the area as crews worked to bring the blaze under control. People were asked to avoid the area, while nearby residents were advised to remain indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.

Mawgan Porth Golf Club described the fire as “huge” and said its course had escaped largely unscathed because of the firefighters’ efforts.

It said the flames had broadly remained within neighbouring farmers’ fields and confirmed that no people or livestock had been harmed.

In a statement, the club said: “Seeing the scale of the fire so close to us has been incredibly worrying, and there’s no doubt the situation would have been so much worse without the extraordinary efforts of the many crews who worked tirelessly to bring it under control.”

It added that firefighters had protected surrounding homes, land and businesses, with crews remaining at the scene into the evening to monitor the situation.

The nearby Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages said its guests were evacuated during the incident, but no damage was caused to the property.

Its owners said the fire was “a stark reminder of just how vulnerable we are, and how quickly things can change”.

They added: “I’m incredibly grateful for the swift action of our amazing fire brigade and everyone involved in keeping us safe.”

Firefighters were also called to a separate woodland fire near Porth at about 4.40pm.

People living nearby were advised to stay indoors and close their windows. Radio Newquay eyewitnesses said smoke could be seen and smelt from Porth beach, which was busy with holidaymakers.

Forecasters at Kernow Weather Team said the wildfire risk across Cornwall remained very high because of the continuing dry conditions.

People are being urged to take extra care with anything that could start a fire, with dry vegetation capable of igniting and spreading quickly.