FIREFIGHTERS in Essex have tackled a large fire that broke out in the roof of a thatched cottage.
FIREFIGHTERS in Essex have tackled a large fire that broke out in the roof of a thatched cottage.
The blaze was reported at 11.20am on Saturday at a cottage in Pit Lane, Tiptree, and a total of nine fire crews from Colchester, Tiptree, Witham Maldon, Wivenhoe and Woodham were sent to the scene.
Assistant divisional Officer Vernon Kendall, in charge of the incident, said the crews had done a “fantastic job” in arduous conditions.
He said: “It is thanks to their hard work that this fire did not spread to a neighbouring property and that the cottage itself did not suffer worse damage.
“It has been hot difficult work but despite this, crews carried out a salvage operation which saved a great deal of items from within the cottage and got on top of the fire quickly preventing it from spreading.
“The cottage itself is still standing although the roof and its rafters were completely destroyed.”
He said the fire appeared to have started in a defective chimney which allowed heat to spread into the thatch, setting it alight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here