A golf club located in a village popular with Hollywood celebrities has been threatened by wildfire flames that were started by “one spark from a tractor topping a field”.
Mawgan Porth Golf Club’s fairways and surrounding heathlands were engulfed as firefighters battled the blaze on Tuesday (9 Aug).
Dramatic video showed a huge wall of flame being fanned by winds.
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Crews tackled the fire near Mawgan Porth Golf Club and a solar farm at Mawgan Porth.
The golf club is located in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall – often described as ‘Hollywood-on-Sea’ because of the many celebrities it attracts.
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett built a major clifftop eco-home in the village.
And action star Jason Statham is reported to own property locally.
A spokesperson for nearby Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages Cornwall revealed the fire had started from “one spark from a tractor topping a field, after hitting a stone”.
The spokesperson added: “Just fields away, and within half an hour it led to a full evacuation.
“It’s a stark reminder of just how vulnerable we are, and how quickly things can change.”
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service warned of a “significant smoke plume”, urging members of the public to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area.
Residents were also urged to stay away from both areas while emergency crews continued to tackle the incidents.
The blaze was later brought under control, as reported by Need To Know.
Speaking about the evacuation on Tuesday (11 Aug), the spokesperson from Merlin Farm Holiday Cottages Cornwall said: “Well, it really is a miracle that the farm escaped completely unscathed after a field fire broke out just a few fields away.
“With the heat and strong winds, within just half an hour the fire had spread incredibly quickly and dangerously towards the farm.
“At around 3:30pm, we were told to evacuate.
“I felt so emotional having to leave our home, but my focus had to be on keeping it together, contacting all of our guests, making sure everyone was evacuated and keeping them updated.
“Around 10 fire engines from stations across the county were fighting the flames, and thankfully they managed to get the fire under control.
“Then, at around 7pm, we finally got the news we had been desperately hoping for — none of the buildings at Merlin Farm had been damaged, and we could all return.
“While we waited anxiously for news, a huge thank you to the Mawgan Porth Golf Club for letting us camp out there and for keeping us supplied with drinks.
“It’s hard to put into words the relief and gratitude we feel tonight.
“A terrifying few hours, but we are incredibly thankful to the firefighters and a brave neighbour who helped keep the farm and everyone here safe.”
On Wednesday (12 Aug) they added: “I’m incredibly grateful for the swift action of our amazing fire brigade and everyone involved in keeping us safe.
“The warm weather is glorious, but it comes with consequences.
“Wildfires are a very real danger, and never before have I wanted it to rain so much.
“The sight of the flames, the thick smoke and the loud crackling as the fire raced towards our home and business – followed by the moment I was told by the fire officer to evacuate – is something that will stay with me for a very long time.
“I genuinely never thought I’d be sleeping in my own bed last night.
“So, so lucky.
“I left the house with nothing, not even a phone charger.
“So I was a bit teary and very shaky, and I can only imagine our poor guests must have been worrying if their holiday would be cut short.”
On Tuesday (11 Aug), a Mawgan Porth Golf Club spokesperson said: “We just want to say an enormous and very heartfelt thank you to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service for everything they have done, and continue to do, in dealing with the huge fire near the golf course today.
“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 have worked tirelessly to bring it under control.
“Crews are still on site monitoring the situation, and we are incredibly grateful, as are our neighbours, to everyone who has been out there tackling the fire and protecting the surrounding homes, land and businesses.
“It’s at times like this that you realise just how much we rely on our emergency services.
“Thank you to every single person involved, and to those who are still there tonight – we really can’t thank you enough.”
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