FIREFIGHTERS were called to a detached thatched house near Colebrooke at 6.25pm on Saturday, March 21, where the residents reported smoke coming from the thatched roof near the chimney.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue control room sent eight fire appliances from Chulmleigh, Okehampton, Torquay, Chagford, Danes Castle (Exeter), Crediton, Honiton and Witheridge, along with other fire service resources.

The crews worked hard to create fire breaks within the thatch to help prevent fire spread.

Steady progress was made using ladders, foam and crews are assisting with salvage.

The service confirmed that the fire was out at 8.42pm and that there was 15% water and smoke damage to the first floor.

At 9.46pm the service confirmed that two fire appliances remained on the scene to provide a watching brief.

It was noted that the detached property of two floors and thatched roof measured approximately 20 metres by eight metres.

The service said that the fire was in the thatched roof around the chimney stack in the centre of the roof, adding that a fire break was established on both sides of the chimney stack by removing 30% of the thatched roof.

During the operation, which was concluded at just after 11pm, the crews used three 135 ladders, two Compressed Air Foam (CAFs) jets, two hose reel jets, three breathing apparatus sets and a thermal imaging camera to check that the fire was out.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says that most thatched roof fires start in the chimney, but they can also be caused by badly installed electricity cables or embers from bonfires.

A range of advice can be found at: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/home/thatched-properties

The advice includes chimney safety, fire type, having a chimney swept regularly, about materials burned, smoke alarms and much more.