OWNERS OF THATCHED HOMES URGED TO BE FIRE SAFETY AWARE
| Published: 26th February 2008 15:25 |
OWNERS OF THATCHED HOMES URGED TO BE FIRE SAFETY AWARE
OWNERS of thatched properties are being reminded that they need to make an extra effort with fire safety, as their homes can be at a much greater risk of fire.
Recently, a home in Hemingford Abbots was nearly totally destroyed by flames, after winds brought down a tree which tore down electricity cables and ignited a fire in the thatched roof. The high winds spread the fire and firefighters were powerless to prevent it from spreading to the majority of the house.
While this incident was a freak accident, it serves as a reminder to owners of thatched properties about just how susceptible their homes are to fire.
The number of thatched fires increase as temperatures fall and people begin to light open fires. As well as the obvious danger to life, it is estimated that the cost of a thatched property fire to the fire and rescue service is between £40,000 and £50,000, and that's not to mention the financial and emotional cost to the owners.
Chris Strickland, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Living in a thatched property is a wonderful experience. There is something very special about thatched properties, whether it is a house, a pub or even a church."
"Fire safety should be a top priority for everyone, but even more so for people living in thatched properties."
A thatched roof is always at risk of fire. Once a fire has taken hold in a thatch, it will spread rapidly.
Apart from the obvious safety risks to those inside the home at the time of the fire, a thatch is very costly to replace and damage can occur to the rest of the home when it collapses onto the floor below.
For this reason, residents living in a thatched property need to make efforts to be extra safety conscious.
The most common causes of fire in a thatched roof are electrical faults, lightening affecting the television aerial, and stray sparks from the chimney and garden bonfires.
However, provided residents take sensible precautions, they should be able to enjoy their thatched homes safely.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends the following:
- Television aerials should be fitted to a freestanding pole. Where this is not possible it may be fixed to a gable or gable end chimney where the cable can be run down the wall, avoiding contact with the thatch. Disconnect the television aerial during electrical storms to prevent damage to the system. Lightning conductors should conform to British Standard BS6651 1999.
- Ensure all smoking materials are extinguished and cold before disposal.
- Candles should always be placed in a secure holder and away from furnishings and curtains.
- Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
- Keep electrical goods and wiring in good repair. Switch off when not in use if possible.
- Use a bulkhead type light fitting in the loft space.
- Protect the household by fitting and maintaining smoke alarms.
- Never leave cooking unattended at any time.
- Never burn rubbish or garden waste near thatched properties.
- Never light fireworks near the property.
- Do not attempt to remove burning thatch, as this will only fuel the fire.
- Keep the thatch well maintained and have regular checks carried out by a competent thatcher.
For more information, contact your local fire station, or dial 01480 444666 and ask to be sent a copy of the Thatched Property Safety Guide.
Supplied by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue
