Is your thatch at risk?

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:

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 barbeques 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.

365alive Pledge

I pledge to do my part to reduce the risk in my life by taking the following steps:

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Risk Reduction Team
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue
Rewley Rd Fire Station
Oxford OX1 2EH

Phone 08000 325999
Email the team

Community Safety Helpline
08000 325999

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