Firefighters are urging thatched property owners to ensure they protect themselves against the risk of fire.

The warning comes after West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service responded to a fire in Middleton earlier this month. 

The second fire the service has been called to involving thatched properties in the last few months.

Station Manager Simon Foster, one of the service’s Fire Investigation Officers, said: “Both of the recent thatch fires we attended began accidentally and were absolutely devastating for the owners involved.

“Thatch roofs are designed to repel water which makes tackling this type of incident very difficult once a fire breaks out.

“Living in a thatched property means you do need to consider your fire safety and follow this advice to mitigate against the risk of a fire breaking out.

“Prevention is essential, detection is nearly always too late.”

Property owners should:

• Install smoke alarms throughout the home and an interlinked smoke alarm for the loft space.

• Consider a system of heat sensors within the thatch and around the chimney for early warning if thatch is overheating.

• It is important to insulate the chimney flue to prevent heat from transferring to the thatch layer. This is especially important when a solid fuel or wood burner is installed – they burn at higher temperatures than conventional open fires.

• Fit a ‘bird guard’ to the chimney to deter birds from building nests.

• Have the electrical system throughout your home checked by a qualified electrician to ensure cables are installed correctly. Electric cables in the loft should run through insulated conduit and you should cover lights in the ceiling below with an intumescent hood.

• Before going to bed, ensure any naked flames are extinguished.

• Only burn dry, seasoned, hard wood.

• Don’t have bonfires, set off fireworks or light sky lanterns near your property. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your neighbours too.

• If you discover a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999.