Firefighters from Burnham-On-Sea were among crews from across Somerset and Dorset tackling a blaze at a thatched house near Ilminster on Sunday afternoon (March 3rd).
The alarm was raised by the owners in Donyatt at around 1.30pm when smoke was seen coming from the thatch roof.
Eight fire engines, a water carrier, and a foam carrier were initially sent to the property, where it was discovered that half the thatch roof was on fire.
Two vehicles from Burnham-On-Sea fire station were sent to the scene – a hose layer and a welfare unit.
Crews from Ilminster, Martock, Yeovil, Taunton, Burnham-On-Sea, Crewkerne, Sherborne and Beaminster, Wellington, Street and Chard worked to contain the fire during the afternoon which was finally under control at 6.20pm.
A fire service spokesman said the owners had managed to get out safely and added: “The fire was confined to the thatch roof of which thirty percent was damaged by fire. Forty percent of the property was also damaged by smoke and water. The fire was extinguished by fire crews using ladders for access, three compressed air foam systems jets, four hose reel jets and a total of twenty two breathing apparatus wearers.”
The fire and emergency support service vehicle from the Red Cross was also in attendance.
