A COMMUNITY is rallying to raise money to help a ‘local hero’ replace the digger he wrote off saving Mawgan Porth from a devastating wildfire.

Danny Wadman jumped into his digger and carved out a firebreak trench more than 100 metres long to help bring the blaze under control after receiving a call from a neighbour about smoke and flames heading towards his workplace at Inferno Groundworks on Tuesday, August 11.

The Mawgan Porth wildfire
The Mawgan Porth wildfire

The Wadebridge resident on board his digger worked intensively with the firefighters to win the battle against the fire, but his £25,000 machine did not survive the heat.

Danny's digger was completely destroyed in the two-hour battle, with both front tyres exploding, a cab window shattering and hydraulic hoses melting, before the machine was left without steering or brakes.

Danny’s close friend Charlotte Stacey has set up a gofundme to help replace the digger while he waits to hear from his insurer, which has already raised £1,930 raised towards the £3,000 target.

Charlotte said: “When a dangerous wildfire threatened Mawgan Porth, Danny didn't hesitate. Facing the flames head on, he jumped into his digger and carved out over 100 metre firebreak trench, controlling the blaze and protecting the local area.

“Along with firefighters he managed to win the battle against the fire, but his machine didn't survive the heat. His digger is now completely written off.

“As a true local hero, Danny put his own livelihood on the line to keep everyone safe. Now, it’s our turn to back him. Whether big or small, every single donation will go directly toward helping Danny replace his digger.

“Please can people donate if they can.”

A large number of crews and specialist resources were involved in tackling the Mawgan Porth fire. Pumping appliances attended from Newquay, Padstow, Perranporth, Wadebridge, Tolvaddon, Hayle, Liskeard, St Columb, St Dennis and Bodmin.