New Forest thatched cottage fire

We were called to a fire in a thatched cottage on Lyndhurst Road, A35 in Hinton just before 9pm this evening. There was no one in the property upon our arrival, and the cause of the fire is unknown.

At the height of the incident 10 fire engines were in attendance, along with an aerial ladder platform vehicle. Firefighters from HIWFRS and Dorset & Wiltshire FRS are using breathing apparatus, main jets and hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

Residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke in the vicinity, and to avoid the area of A35 in Hinton between Ringwood Rd and Dark Ln to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Residents of thatched properties can find out more about fire safety in thatched properties.

*Update: 23:30, 27 October*

The incident is currently being scaled down, with 5 fire engines remaining on scene to continue extinguishing the fire. We expect to have a presence on scene for several more hours.