Fire crews tackle blaze at Cranbrook

Fire crews were called to a thatch blaze in East Devon in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 15 December).

Three fire engines from Exeter and Ottery St Mary, along with the water carrier from Exeter, were sent to Cranbrook shortly after 1am.

On arrival crews confirmed that a thatched roof derelict farm house was well alight and got to work extinguishing the fire using two hose reel jets and one main jet.

The thatched roof and first floor were well alight. The building was showing signs of collapse so crews withdrew from the sectors to keep themselves at a safe distance.

At 5am the building was being allowed to burn out under controlled supervision and a relief crew was mobilised from Exmouth wholetime crew.  A relief crew was sent from Middlemoor at around 9am.

An investigation to find out the cause of the fire will be carried out later today.