Crews tackle thatched roof fire near Exeter

Crews have been tackling a fire at a thatched property near Exeter overnight.

Teams were first called to the scene in Whimple at around 3.32pm yesterday afternoon (Thursday 14 July).

At its height, more than 12 fire engines were in attendance - this has now been scaled down to two.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say the fire started in a gas canister outside the property and spread to the thatched roof of a two storey building consisting of three private dwellings.

There was a lot of smoke in the area and Exeter Airport was notified due to the close proximity of the fire to their airport.

Attending stations included: Chulmleigh, Torquay, Totnes, Danes Castle, Exmouth, Axminster, Crediton, Cullompton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Tiverton, Middlemoor, Clyst St George, Street, Wellington, Wiveliscombe, Chard, Ilminster, and Martock.

Update 8.00am: The fire service say three terraced properties with thatched roof were 100% damaged by fire.

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