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

The commonest causes of fire in thatch are:
. Electrical faults
. Faults in the flue or flue liner
. Stray sparks from the chimneys, discarded cigarettes and garden bonfires.

Television aerials should be fitted to a freestanding pole. Where this is not possible it may be fixed to a gable or gable end chimney where the cable can be run down the wall, avoiding contact with the thatch. Disconnect the TV aerial during electrical storms to prevent damage to the system. Lightning conductors should conform to British Standard BS6651 1999

• Never burn rubbish or garden waste near thatched property.
• Never light fireworks near the property.
• Ensure all smoking materials are extinguished and cold before disposal.
• Candles should always be placed in a secure holder and away from furnishings and curtains.
• Never leave cooking unattended at any time.
• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
• Keep electrical goods and wiring in good repair Switch off when not in use if possible.
• Use a bulkhead type light fitting in the loft space.

Keep the thatch well maintained and have regular checks carried out by a competent thatcher. Contact the Thatching Advisory Service Ltd, Faircross Offices, Stratfield Saye Reading RG7 2BT for more information. Online at: www.Thatchingadvisoryservices.co.uk

Smoke Alarms

Protect the household by fitting and maintaining smoke alarms. A smoke detector should also be fitted at the highest point of the roof void, if possible and linked to another alarm sited in the hallway or landing. For maximum protection fit a smoke alarm in every room (except kitchen, bathroom and garage)

In the event of fire

Use your fire escape plan to get everyone out of the building.
Do not attempt to remove burning thatch as this will only fuel the fire.

• Arson Prevention
• Babysitters
• Boat Safety
• Candles
• Caravan/Mobile Home
• Car Fires
• Care Homes
• Chimney Fires
• Close That Door
• Cooking Fires
• Domestic Sprinklers
• Electrical Safety
• Fire Action Plan
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguisher Guide
• Fire Safety Outdoors
• Firesetters
• Firework Safety
• Heater Safety
• High Rise Fire Safety
• Hoax Calls
• Kitchen Safety
• Shared Housing
• Smoke Alarm Maintenance
• Smoke Alarm Provision
• Thatch Fires
• Unwanted False Alarms