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Thatch fire safety

A thatched roof is always at risk from fire. Once a fire has taken hold in a thatch it will spread rapidly.

There most common causes of fire in thatch are:

  • electrical faults
  • stray sparks from chimneys, discarded cigarettes and garden bonfires
  • lightning affecting the television aerial
  • solid fuel burners.

In addition to following all the usual precautions for fire safety in the home if you are in a thatched building, you should also:

  • keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
  • use a bulkhead type light fitting in your loft space
  • never burn rubbish or garden waste near the property
  • site barbecues a safe distance away from the building
  • never light fireworks near a thatched property
  • television aerials on thatched buildings should be fitted to a freestanding pole
    • where this is not possible, the aerial should be fixed to a gable or gable-end chimney, where the cable can be run down the wall, avoiding contact with the thatch
    • disconnect your television aerial during electrical storms to prevent damage to the system

Thatch fires can be avoided with basic fire prevention measures:

  • have your brickwork, mortar and flashings regularly checked and carry out any necessary repairs
  • if you have a wood-burning stove or similar enclosed solid fuel burner installed it is essential that an appropriate liner has been applied
  • have your electrical system checked on a regular basis by a competent NICEIC approved electrician (as a guide every 5 years)
  • the use of blowtorches or hot air guns should not be allowed in areas adjacent to the Thatch, particularly first floor and roof voids

Please download our thatch fire safety booklet for further advice.

Oxon Thatch Booklet(.pdf format, 379Kb)

This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!