80 Firefighters tackle thatched roof fire overnight, which destroys beautiful Hampshire home

Fire Control was alerted to a two storey thatched roof fire on Beauworth Road, Alresford at 19:03. Unfortunately, the fire was rapidly taking hold and had spread to the entire roof space when the first crews arrived. Residents of the property had evacuated and were in a place of safety. Working hard in tough conditions crews from Alresford, Bishops Waltham, Eastleigh, St Mary?s, Redbridge, Fareham, Winchester, Hightown, Botley, Alton, Totton, Romsey responded.Crews salvaged what they could from the ground floor and prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, until the fire was contained and under control. At 07:21 Sunday (8th September), the fire was out. The thatched roof and first floor have been 100% damaged by fire. The ground floor has extensive fire and water damage.Crews used 8 set of breathing apparatus, 4 main jets, 2 hose reels and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire. Crews will remain at the scene this morning for a reinspection and to assess the damage in daylight hours.An investigation into the cause is still to take place. The stop message was at: 10:06Our Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin who?s praised the efforts of all firefighters and support staff has described the scene as: “A tragic amount of damage to a beautiful house.”Our thoughts are with the occupants of this property at this devastating time.