Quick action results in firefighters stopping fire involving thatched cottage in the early hours

A fire at a thatched cottage was stopped by firefighters in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after early-warning from the occupants who were alerted by their smoke alarm.

The owners of the Lockerley property were quick to dial 999, with HIWFRS Control Room operators on hand to mobilise crews to the scene.

Preparing for the worst case scenario, around 50 firefighters were alerted shortly before 4am, with crews coming from Romsey, Stockbridge, Redbridge, St Mary’s, Totton and Eastleigh.

Fortunately, the swift call from the owner and prompt actions of firefighters meant they only had to remove a small amount of thatch and wire to confirm that the fire was contained within the chimney breast.

Thermal imaging cameras were used to continuously monitor the roof space throughout the incident.

Using jets and a small amount of specialist foam, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in the chimney, whilst also conducting internal and external investigations to check for fire spread in the roof.

There were no casualties involved, but firefighters were prepared to perform a salvage operation, to save valued items for the household owners, but fortunately this wasn’t needed.

Station Manager Pete McClemont said:

“Thatch fires are notoriously difficult due to the amount of time and resource that are needed to stop it spreading. Sadly, many homes are destroyed once a fire takes hold in a thatched property, so we are really pleased to say that in this case, that hasn’t happened.

“We were able to send our pre-determined response plan, setting out for if there were a developing fire within the thatch. But fortunately, the quick emergency call from the owner joined with our early intervention, prevented any significant damage to the building.

“We recommend those living in thatched properties regularly get their chimneys swept to avoid the build-up of soot and tar, keep stored logs away from open fires and log burners, and to ensure you have working smoke detectors.”

​