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Fires in thatched roofs are not common, but because of their spectacular nature they attract a great deal of publicity.
Once a fire gets a hold on a thatched roof it is very difficult for the Fire Service to extinguish without removing all of the thatch covering; this is an arduous labour intensive task which will render the building unusable until expensive repairs are carried out.
By following a few simple precautions the householder can eliminate most of the risks of a thatched roof fire.
Causes of Thatched Roof Fires and Actions to Reduce Risk
Cause: Chimney fire spreading to thatch
Action:
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Have chimney swept regularly, check "Rendering on chimney" Check flue lining and replace if necessary |
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Ensure that the top of the chimney stack is at least five feet above the thatch; this will allow sparks to die away before they drop onto the thatch |
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Maintain spark arrestors, dirty spark arrestors can cause combustion through poor ventilation |
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Do not burn wet or unseasoned wood as this will lead to a greater build up of deposits in the flue |
Cause: Electrical fires spreading to thatch
Action:
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All electrical work to be carried out by a competent professional. Wiring in the roof space should be checked at regular intervals |
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Check roof space for sign of vermin as these creatures may damage the wiring |
Cause: Fire spread from outside
Action:
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If you are having a bonfire, site it as far away from the house as possible, bearing in mind the wind direction. Avoid bonfires in times when everything including the thatch is "Tinder dry" |
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Ensure that you have a garden hose from which a jet can reach all parts of the roof |
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Be aware of neighbour's bonfires and be extra vigilant around bonfire night |
Cause: Lightening Strike
Action:
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This is a rare cause of fire but if your property is in an exposed area it may be vulnerable; if this is the case it is worth re-siting any roof mounted television aerial; perhaps to a pole in the garden. |
General advice
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Fit smoke detectors in the roof space; these should be mains wired and linked (A detector operating in the roof space will activate the other detectors in the building.) |
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If you have a fire when you dial 999 be sure to tell the operator that yours is a thatched property. |
If you would like your property to be included in a register of thatched buildings please contact:
Jim Labouchardiere
01743 260207
Keep these tips to hand with our Thatched Property Safety Advice PDF:
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