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Thatch Fire Prevention

These recommendations may be taken to prevent fire in thatched roofs. It is appreciated, however, that not every precaution is either practicable or possible in every case.

A smoke detector should be provided in the roof space and linked to others in your home. A fire in the roof space will be detected and the warning will be given throughout the house.
Smoke detectors are recommended for all rooms except kitchens and bathrooms.

A hose reel should be provided to reach all round the house and enable the jet to reach all parts of the roof.
If safe to do so, an initial attack with the hose reel can be made from outside the property on to the thatch roof until the arrival of the fire service.

Avoid lighting bonfires near thatch property.
Take into account the wind direction and strength before setting up a bonfire.
Consider damping the thatch if there is a threat from fireworks or a neighbouring fire.

Ensure contractors avoid using blow torches while they work.
Make sure contractors do not smoke near the thatch.

Where the electricity supply cables are above the ceiling joists and under the rafters in the loft, they should either comply with British Standard 6207 Part 1 "Wiring Systems Using Mineral Insulated Cable", or PVC cable should be run in conduit conforming to any of the following BS 31, BS 4568 Part 1 or BS EN 50086 Part 1.
Any protective wire netting covering the thatch should not come within 300 mm of any electrical cable unless adequate insulation is provided.

Light fittings in close proximity to the thatch should be of the enclosed type, either bulkhead or well-glass type.
Similarly external security lighting particularly the popular halogen type get very hot in use, and should be sited well away from the thatch.