Thatch fire safety

The Parish Council is grateful to the owners of Meadow Cottage for allowing the village to learn from their experiences. At a well attended meeting in the village hall HFRS showed video of the fire at Forton and other recent thatch fires and explained about fire safety. NFU Mutual gave tips on insurance and we also heard from Master Thatcher, Geoff Gates and from the many experiences of parishioners. The value of sharing experiences was brought out by someone who checked on spotlights recessed into their ceiling and found them to be very hot and full of bits of thatch. Needless to say they have been replaced!

These notes bring together the information from all these sources. A copy will be delivered to thatched properties in the parish. We hope they will make you think and improve your safety precautions. And if there is a fire we hope they will help you increase the chance of saving your house. The Parish Council has no special expertise on thatch fires. These notes are designed to start you thinking. If you feel they can be improved please email info@longparish.org.uk . The Parish Council disclaims responsibility for the consequences of any actions you decide to take. It is up to you what action you decide to take and if you are in doubt you should seek the advice of HFRS or other specialists.

There are some important messages.

  • Consider your safety precautions now. It is too late after a fire.
  • Get smoke alarms and make sure they are working. They save lives.
  • HFRS may be able to advise if you give them a ring (Community Fire Safety 023 8064 4000) and explain that you live in a thatched house. If you have a particular need (for example if you are elderly, disabled or have young children) they may be able to visit you.

And finally a huge thank you to everyone who helped the family made homeless by the fire. The way so many people helped in so many ways is a wonderful example of why Longparish is a special place to live

Precautions to reduce the risk of fire

Things to do if there is a fire

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