Thatched cottage seriously damaged in fire

A thatched cottage suffered extensive damaged as a fire ripped through its roof.

Firefighters attended the incident at the home in Broughton Hackett, near Pershore at around 7.30pm on Sunday.

Group Commander Phil Russell said: “Thatched roof fires are always a challenge and this was a particularly difficult one. The thatch on the roof of the cottage was especially thick, with a metal mesh holding it in place, and it was arduous work for the crews as they cut away the metal to strip the roof and ensure the fire was fully extinguished. As most thatched roof fires are chimney- related, we are advising anyone with a thatched roof to have their chimneys swept on a regular basis and to have them inspected at least once every three years by a registered chimney engineer.”

No one was hurt during the incident. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.