Firefighters have managed to extinguish the last remnants of a fire which devastated three thatched cottages.

Fire crews from three counties were called to the terraced cottages at The Barracks in Bransbury, near Barton Stacey, following a fire beginning in the roof of one of the central cottages. This then spread to the neighbouring cottages, with over 100 firefighters battling to save the fourth from destruction.

Hampshire fire called a stop message for the incident on Tuesday, March 9 at 13:29, a few hours shy of three days after the fire began. While the main body of the fire had been extinguished on Monday using equipment including breathing apparatus, covering jets, hose reels and compressed air foam solution, smouldering thatch had continued to burn.

Three of the cottages were completely destroyed by fire and water damage, having also partially collapsed. The fourth cottage was saved, but has suffered light smoke damage.

Watch Manager Aidy Wellock, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety team, said: “The fire in Bransbury shows how important it is for those living in thatched properties to make sure they have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of their homes. Many thatch owners have a smoke alarm in their roof space as well and this can give an early warning that can prove vital.

“There are many ways for a thatched property to catch fire - from ejected embers, chimney fires or electrical faults, to external factors such as fireworks or sky lanterns.

“If a fire does start, please get out, stay out and call 999.”

Fire officers said they had passed fire prevention advice to the wider community and a handover was completed with the owners.

For more on thatched roof safety advice go to: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/thatch/