Investigation Into Thatch Fire

A fire has partly-destroyed a thatched cottage in Hampshire.

Fire crews attended a major a roof fire on Thursday 4th April at a private property in the village of Cholderton, Quarley in the Andover area.

Control operators were alerted to the fire at 1723 and initially mobilised two fire appliances along with support crews.

The response swiftly escalated to eight pumps, the mutli-role vehicle and a water carrier also attended along with colleagues from Wiltshire fire and Rescue Service

Crews from Andover, Whitchurch, Winchester, Stockbridge and Sutton Scotney, together with support from colleagues from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, fought the blaze in the roof of the Grade II* listed period detached property.

It was brought under control and extinguished by 2154. No-one was inside the property but 100% of the roof was destroyed and the cause is under investigation.

In total more than 70 firefighters were at the scene and four officers were in attendance.. Breathing apparatus, three main jets, three cafs jets, and two hosereels were used.

Salvage operations are now under way.

On Good Friday, more than 200 firefighters were called to three separate thatch fires in Hampshire. Hampshire Fire and Rescue is advising all thatched cottage owners to make sure their chimneys are regularly cleaned.