 There are over 800 thatched properties in the New Forest and as winter fast approaches Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging owners and occupants of thatched properties to take extra care before the colder weather arrives to reduce the risk of fire.
Group Manager for the New Forest area Steve Quinn states: “Whilst statistically a home with a thatched roof has no greater tendency to catch fire than a home with a conventional roof, the difference is that, if a thatched roof does ignite, the fire can be very difficult to control and the consequences much more destructive
As such, the aftermath of a thatch fire is often devastating, leaving buildings partially or totally destroyed, taking up to 18 months for a property to be re-built, or even longer for a listed building.
More than 90% of fires in thatched properties are caused by faults in the flue or chimney. In other words, over 90% of thatched property fires are preventable. It is therefore extremely important that chimneys are maintained and checked prior to use by a registered chimney sweep to reduce the risk of fire.
I urge the occupants of thatched properties across the New Forest to get this done now before the weather turns colder, particularly if the property has a wood burner, as these can produce significantly more heat than the chimney was originally designed to take.
Of course, if the worst should happen, working smoke detectors can give an early warning in the event of a fire and can give the extra time needed to escape a house fire – make sure they are tested regularly.”
He continues: “Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has developed Thatch Information Pack (TIP) which includes essential maintenance and fire prevention tips, along with other supporting material, to help owners and occupants of thatch properties minimise the risk of fire.
Hampshire residents can call Hampshire Fire and Rescue Serve Community Safety department on 023 8062 6809 to request a copy of the Thatch Information Pack or visit our website for further information or to download this information.”
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service provides the following top tips for safer chimneys in a thatched property:
- Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
- Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
- Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
- Do not build, rebuild or design chimneys which pass close to or through thatch without appropriate expert advice
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