Dozens of firefighters tackle thatch blaze
Firefighters tackled a large fire at a thatched property on the outskirts Exeter on Friday.
Three fire engines along with an aerial ladder platform from Exeter were sent to a report of curtains on fire within a property with a thatched roof at Little Johns Cross, Ide, just after 8.30 this morning.
Upon arrival the crew confirmed that the thatched roof was involved in fire and requested the attendance of seven more fire engines.
These appliances were sent from Topsham, Crediton, Newton Abbot, Cullompton, Exmouth and Torquay.
Special support appliances were also sent from Honiton and Exeter. Western power also attended in order to isolate the electrics to the property and to ensure that overhead power cables were safe.
The crews are currently at work fighting the fire in this two storey thatched property using eight breathing apparatus wearers, a compressed air foam jet, a main jet and three hose reel jets.
A building surveyor from the local council is also on scene overseeing the structural safety side of things.
There are currently 12 fire engines, a water carrier, an aerial ladder platform, a command support unit and a telehandler in attendance.
Update - 4pm
The fire is now under control and crews have confirmed that the ground and first floor of the properly have been severely damaged by fire.
Four fire engines remain on scene using water from a nearby street hydrant and compressed air foam jets
Update - 7pm
Steady progress is being made damping down using a hydraulic platform and a compressed air foam jet. Gas company are isolating the supply and lighting is being set up.
Relief crews are now in place and hotspots continue to be dampened down.
Update - 9pm
Incident now scaled down to one pumping appliance. Crews turning over and damping down with one hose reel jet and one main jet, tackling hot spots.
Update - 2am Saturday
Relief pumping appliance from Middlemoor has arrived and crews are using one main jet at rear of building to damp down hotspots.
