Thatch Safety

More than 90% of fires in thatched properties are caused by faults in the flue or chimney. In other words, over 90% of thatched property fires are preventable.
The financial cost of a thatch fire is considerably higher than a property of conventional construction.

Dos and don'ts in brief

The following recommendations should be taken to prevent fire or reduce the spread of fire in thatched roofs.

It is appreciated, however, that not every precaution is either practicable or possible in every case.

Keep chimneys in good condition. Re-point or line as necessary
Ensure any person working in or on the house is aware of the dangers which careless use of naked flame can bring
Run electric wire in conduit
Any re-thatch or major ridge job should have all material taken from around the chimney so that it can be checked and repaired if needed.
Smoke alarms should be fitted, low voltage mains powered linked alarms are available. Most thatch fires start in the roof space and, due to the thickness of the roof, may not be apparent for many hours.
All electrical wiring in the loft space should ideally be routed in appropriate fire retardant ducting
The chimney, if used by any appliance producing flue gases should be linked according to the manufacturer's specification and, in the case of solid fuels, should be swept regularly
The top of the stack should be no closer than 1.8 m from the ridge vertically and, in the case of a stack in the wall, 4 m vertically from any thatch surface
Spark arrestors should be fitted and maintained/cleaned on a regular basis.

Do not build, rebuild or design chimneys which pass close to or through thatch without appropriate expert advice
Do not pass metal and other heat conducting flues through thatch
Do not hold barbecues, bonfires or firework parties close to the house and be sensible with garden fires
Do not allow use of blow lamps in the roof space
Do not allow flame stripping of paint around eaves on thatched windows
Do not cut recessed lighting into the ceilings below the thatch. Light fittings within the roof space should be in a bulkhead fitting.
External floodlights should not be located just under thatch overhangs.