East Hampshire homeowners escape thatched cottage fire as more than 75 firefighters tackled blaze in Langrish, Petersfield, overnight

Crews from 15 fire stations were called to a blaze at a two-storey cottage on Winchester Road, Langrish, near Petersfield last night after sparks from a wood burning stove ignited the thatched roof.

The homeowners were able to escape quickly thanks to a smoke alarm in the attic but the roof and first floor of the cottage has been 100 per cent damaged by fire and the ground floor has been 100 per cent damaged by water.

Firefighters have been dampening down hotspots overnight and at 6am this morning the operation was scaled back to two pumps.

Temporary two-way traffic lights have been set up on the A272 near Langrish as emergency crews continue to work with a structural engineer due to attend to assess the building later.

A spokeswoman from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘At its height more than 75 firefighters from across 15 stations were mobilised to a thatched cottage fire.

‘HFRS received the call at 8.40pm on Sunday to a two-storey domestic property

‘The fire involved the roof and first-floor which were both well alight when crews arrived.

‘The fire was caused by sparks from a wood burning stove igniting the thatched roof. The occupiers were warned by a smoke alarm which they had in the attic so were able to vacate quickly.

‘Emergency vehicles from Petersfield, Horndean, Havant, Liphook, Waterlooville, Bordon, Alton, Cosham, Southsea, Rushmoor, Eastleigh, Droxford, Winchester and Fleet were all in attendance.

‘The environmental protection unit (EPU) from Alton and command support units from Portchester and Eastleigh were also on scene.

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‘The A272 near Langrish was closed and will be for several whilst emergency crews work.

‘At 1am a relief strategy was put into place and the incident was scaled back to six pumps and one water carrier. Firefighters began damping down hotspots.

‘At 6am the incident was scaled down further to a two-pump relief.

‘The roof and first-floor of the cottage is 100 per cent damaged by fire, and the ground-floor 100 per cent damaged by water.

‘A structural engineer will attend in daylight hours to assess the building.’

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