Firefighters tackle thatch roof blaze

Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a blaze at two thatched cottages near Exeter.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a call from a member of the public reporting that their thatch roof was on fire in a property at Sowton, nerar Exeter.

Fire appliances from Middlemoor, Topsham, Danes Castle, Ottery St Mary, Cullompton and Exmouth were mobilised by fire control at 6.35pm yesterday (8 March).

On arrival the officer in charge confirmed there to be a thatch roof well alight.

Crews got to work using breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, main jets and compressed air foam to begin to tackle the fire.

The incident commander requested the attendance of further appliances from Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Ashburton and Tiverton along with an aerial ladder platform from Torquay and water carriers from Danes Castle and Torquay.

Update at 0130 hrs. Crews are making steady progress damping down the fire with one hose reel jet and the water monitor from the aerial ladder platform. Relief crews from stations across Devon and Somerset are in place.

Update at 0300 hrs. Crews still damping down hotspots making steady progress. Building stability being monitored. Two light portable pumps are at work pumping water from a nearby stream to the aerial ladder and main jet.

East Devon District Council building control officers are assisting at the scene.

A spokesperson for the council said: “East Devon District Council’s Building Control Service is assisting the fire service at an on-going fire incident at Sowton Village where two grade II listed cottages caught fire yesterday evening. Thankfully no-one was injured but the Council has been helping the fire service assess the safety risks associated with the damage to the building. Access to the village is currently blocked as the emergency services continue to deal with the incident and officers are currently considering how dangerous the building is and what works might be needed to make it safe so that the village road can be safely reopened.

“The Council’s Building Control service is regularly called out to such incidents to advise the emergency services on safety issues associated with damage to structures caused by fires or other incidents. In this case the damage to the building is extensive and urgent works may be needed to shore up the walls of the building to prevent further damage. The Council is advising on the urgent repairs that are needed and once these have been carried out we will then be working with the owners to discuss future rebuilding and repair works.

“The cottages themselves are listed grade II and date back to the early 17th century and are constructed from a mixture of stone, brick and cob with a thatched roof. They form an important part of the heritage of the attractive and historic village of Sowton. While the loss of part of the historic fabric of the building is very unfortunate the immediate concern is to ensure the safety of the building for residents of the village and passing pedestrians and vehicles so that access to the village can be reopened. There will be no further information from the Council until the assessments are completed.”