DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice to the owners of thatched properties following a fire which destroyed the Ring of Bells pub in North Bovey on January 13.

Ten fire engines attended the incident and fire crews worked throughout the night to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby thatched properties.

Firefighters covered neighbouring thatched properties with foam to prevent the fire spreading and worked hard to save as much of the building and its contents as possible.

The fire is believed to have started by a spark or flame from the chimney flue in the loft space, igniting the underside of the thatched roof.

The roof and first floor of the pub were destroyed and there was severe water and heat damage to the ground floor.

Group Manager Matt Johnson, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The fire had broken through the roof before the arrival of our crews but firefighters worked extremely hard to salvage as much property from inside the building as they could and to stop it spreading to adjoining thatched properties.

“Our advice, particularly at this time of year, is to get your chimney swept and to seek professional advice about having flues checked and lined, especially in thatched properties.”

DSFRS said there were nine chimney fires across the service area that week.

Information relating to thatch safety is available on the website: www.dsfire.gov.uk .

Alan Quick