More than 100 firefighters from 25 stations across Suffolk were called to tackle a serious blaze affecting two cottages on the edge of Blaxhall.

East Anglian Daily Times: Firefighters were forced to remove thatch from the roof of the two cottages Picture: ARCHANTFirefighters were forced to remove thatch from the roof of the two cottages Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The thatched roofs of the cottages were removed by fire crews in a bid to quell the spread of the flames.

Inside the Langham Road homes there is a large amount of visible smoke damage,

The homes have been cordoned off as a safety precaution following Thursday night's blaze.

The village has reacted with sadness over the extent of the damage to the once picturesque homes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire crews pumped water from a nearby brook to deal with the fire Picture: ARCHANTFire crews pumped water from a nearby brook to deal with the fire Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

"It's terrible to lose a thatched house," said Graham Bowles, chairman of Blaxhall Parish Council.

"We don't have a lot of thatched houses here but we value them."

He added: "It's tragic when we lose a house like this."

Neither of the houses were occupied when the fire broke out at around 8.45pm Thursday, and it is believed both are owned by families who use the sporadically throughout the year.

East Anglian Daily Times: A burnt mattress sits outside the badly damaged properties Picture: ARCHANTA burnt mattress sits outside the badly damaged properties Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

"We have a lot of people who stay here for the weekend," said Mr Bowles.

It is still not clear what caused the blaze.

Fire crews remained at the scene throughout the night and into Friday, getting the fire under control then ensuring that there were no remaining hot spots that could reignite.

They set up generators to pump water from a nearby brook as well as stripping the thatch.

East Anglian Daily Times: Two cottages in Blaxhall were engulfed by the fire Picture: ARCHANTTwo cottages in Blaxhall were engulfed by the fire Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

At the height of the blaze, Suffolk police warned motorists travelling around the Blaxhall and Snape areas to take care after smoke caused poor visibility on local roads.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue said that an investigation into the fire will be undertaken by Suffolk police in due course.

East Anglian Daily Times: Much of Langham Road was cordoned off Picture: ARCHANTMuch of Langham Road was cordoned off Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The fire took place on Langham Road in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANTThe fire took place on Langham Road in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Over 100 firefighters attended the thatch fire in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANTOver 100 firefighters attended the thatch fire in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Not much remains of the roof of the two cottages in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANTNot much remains of the roof of the two cottages in Blaxhall Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)