Truro wildfire: Hero police officer helps homeless man who lost everything but dog
The PCSO rushed home to grab a tent and sleeping bag after the blaze at Malpas
Last updated 9th Aug 2022
A police officer is being praised for helping a homeless man after that huge wildfire in Truro.
The PCSO rushed home to get a tent and sleeping bag, after he lost everything but his dog.
Posting on Twitter, Sergeant Dave Pearce said he took the items back to the man until he was in a position to seek further help.
He said: "One of my @TruroPol PCSOs did something today that made me super proud. Large scale fire in Truro today and a homeless male lost everything he owned apart from his dog.
"The @DC_Police officer went home, picked up a spare tent, sleeping bag and other essentials and took them back to the male so he had somewhere to sleep tonight with his dog until he can seek further help".
Sgt Pearce described that as "policing at its best", adding "#helpinghand #onecommunity".
Following the fire, residents and visitors in Cornwall are being urged NOT to have bonfires or barbecues during the dry weather.
The cause of the blaze near Boscawen Park has not been confirmed but officials have issued the warning after it engulfed grassland, especially as the weather hots up again.
At its height, more than 40 firefighters from across the Duchy were battling the flames in the Malpas area.
Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service received over 35 999 calls on Saturday 6th August, as smoke was seen billowing into the air.
A major pumping appliance from Falmouth and a light appliance from Lostwithiel remained on scene overnight, monitoring and damping down hotspots.
Speaking at the scene of the fire, Incident Commander Mark Sherris said: "Across the county and across the country recently, fire and rescue services are experiencing a high number of wildfires.
"We'd just ask the public to refrain from having bonfires and barbecues on dry ground, just because with the current climate they can spread very quickly".
Most parts of the Duchy and Devon are at 'High' or 'Very High', according to the Fire Severity Index.