Top tips to keep your thatched roof safe

Although thatch fires are not common, over 90% of thatch roof fires start as a direct result of using an open fire, wood burning or multi fuel stove.

As thatch is designed to repel water this makes extinguishing such fires difficult and, more often than not, results in homes & memories being destroyed.

By following these simple guidelines we hope to greatly reduce the risk of fire to homes and our heritage:

GET IT SWEPT

All working chimneys & flues should be swept by a professional either:
Once a year for smokeless fuel, oil or gas
Every six months for all other types of fuel

GET IT CHECKED

Get a CCTV survey completed on all working chimneys and flues every three years to check for any damage or faults

GET IT LINED

Chimneys & flues should be lined in accordance with “The Building Regulations Approved Document J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems” so get it installed by a professional

BIN IT DON’T BURN IT

Don’t use your fire as an incinerator, waste & wrapping paper can eject from the chimney as a burning ember

SEASONED WOOD

Burn only seasoned wood as the sap and tar content is substantially lower which reduces the build up of tar deposits in the chimney

BONFIRES & BBQ’s

Light bonfires, barbecues, fire pits, chimineas and incinerators as far away from the thatch as possible.

ELECTRICS

Make sure that your electrics are up to date and you have a current and satisfactory “Electrical Installation Certificate” (EIC). Recessed lighting can get extremely hot so ensure that fire protection covers are fitted

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Have a least one CO2 (minimum 2KG) fire extinguisher on each floor of your home and a fire blanket in the kitchen.

ESCAPE

Sometimes prevention isn’t enough so should the worst happen have an escape plan.