60 firefighters battle thatched roof house fire in Devon
Teams from Cornwall were brought in from across the border to help
Last updated 10th Sep 2021
60 firefighters have been battling a blaze at a thatched roof property in Devon.
The fire broke out in Highampton on Thursday afternoon (9 September).
10 pumps were brought in and firefighters used a number of jets to tackle the flames.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two appliances from Bude, one from Delabole and a flexi-duty officer were mobilised to assist Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service with a thatched property fire."
Bude Community Fire Station added: "A physically demanding afternoon for the Bude crew today, called to Highampton to support crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
"10 pumps and 60 firefighters attended the thatched roof property.
"The crews from Bude then left the scene and headed back to home station to then carry out our annual fitness test - which we can proudly say we all passed with flying colours."
The A3072 was closed and people have been asked to avoid the area.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 1.24pm to a thatched property fire at a private dwelling on the A3072 in Highhampton. The property approx is 6m x 20m and the roof was 50% alight when we arrived.
"We currently have more than 60 fire service personnel on scene with 10 pumping appliances. We are stripping the thatch and are currently using two hose reel jets, three smaller jets and have six firefighters in breathing apparatus and using two ladders.
"The A3072 in Highampton is closed so please avoid the area.
"Steady progress is being made on the property turning over and damping down the thatch. It is likely to continue throughout the day."
At 4.20pm they added the following update: "100% of roof involved in fire. Fire confined to the property of origin. Sector one using one aerial ladder platform, 2 jets, 1 hosereel and 2 breathing apparatus wearers. In Sector 3, 2 jets, 4 breathing apparatus wearers are in use. Steady progress is being maintained removing thatch. A 4 pump relief crew now proceeding to incident."
As of Friday morning the road remained closed with Inrix expecting it to remain shut for most of the day.
Inrix Traffic and Travel said: "A3072 in both directions closed due to building fire from Sheepwash Turn Off to South Threw.
"Main road closed through Highhampton to assist firefighters, expected to be closed across the day."