Firefighters tackle thatched roof blaze in north Hampshire

Crews from three services are on the scene of a thatched roof blaze in the village of Binley near to Hampshire’s border with Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Firefighters from Whitchurch, Andover, Winchester, Basingstoke, Stockbridge, Eastleigh and Tadley along with crews from Royal Berkshire FRS and Dorset & Wiltshire FRS were called shortly after 17:30.

Crews are working to stop the fire in the roof, which was well alight upon arrival, from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Specialist vehicles from Romsey and Fleet are also in attendance.

Fortunately there have been no casualties reported as firefighters undertake a salvage operation and tackle the fire wearing breathing apparatus sets and using jets and hoses.

Update 21:30

The incident is now being scaled down with three fire engines expected to remain on the scene throughout the night.

Relief crews are taking over from the firefighters who were first in attendance.

Update 08:00

With the fire surrounded two crews remained in attendance overnight damping down hotspots.

Firefighters will be leaving the scene shortly with one crew expected to return later in the day to conduct a reinspection.