Property fire
Fire control received a report of a cottage with the thatched roof involved in fire. Fire Control immediately mobilised fire engines from Bideford, Appledore, Torrington, Barnstaple, Braunton, South Molton and Hartland, a water carrier and aerial ladder platform from Barnstaple, welfare unit from Ivybridge an incident command unit from Ilfracombe and 5 officers.
At 22:46 - Crew confirmed fire involving a thatched property, this was smouldering near the chimney breast. 135 ladder, hose reel jet, roof ladder and safety working at height equipment in use. Efforts also being made to establish hydrant.
At 23:00 - Crew stated that 30% of the thatch cottage roof on fire. Crews are working on roof to create fire breaks and salvage operations in progress.
At 23:48 - Crew requested a further 2 appliances for a 'make pumps 10' - crew from Hatherleigh and Lynton was mobilised.
At 23:56 - A 135 ladder, 105 ladder, 3x hose reel jets, 1x safety jet, and 4x breathing apparatus in use. Crews are making steady progress on thatch with fire break and salvage still in operation.
At 00:37 - Crew requested attendance of National Grid to isolate the external power lines.
At 00:57 - In total crews are using 2x 135 ladders,1x 105 ladder, 2x hose reel jets, 2x fog spikes, 2x thermal image cameras, 1x safety jet, 4x breathing apparatus, small tools, salvage sheets and the aerial ladder platform currently at work.
At 02:05 - A request for relief crews was made - fire engines from Crediton, North Tawton, Okehampton and Dulverton were alerted.
At 02:35 - Steady progress is being made and salvage is now all complete. Electrics have now been isolated by National Grid.
Final update - Fire has been extinguished and all appliances have left scene. The cause of the fire was deemed accidental ignition. 50% of the thatched roof was damaged, and 50% of the property damaged by smoke and water. Duty of care has been left with occupants. A revisit will be made by local crews in the morning to ensure all hot spots are dealt with.