Newbury firefighters prevent Beedon chimney fire spreading to thatched roof

According to Phil Knight, the manager of White Watch at Newbury Fire Station, one fire engine from Newbury and another from Didcot, a total ten firefighters, were called at 8.30pm to a detached, thatched property on Beedon Common.
Firefighters attended the incident for an hour and a half, caused by a low level chimney fire, and successfully prevented the fire spreading to the thatched roof.
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends getting chimneys swept regularly, especially after they have been dormant over the summer and prior to lighting fires at the start of the autumn and winter months.
Instructions issued by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service about chimney sweeping procedures - including special instructions applicable to chimneys at thatched roof properties - can be found at www.rbfrs.co.uk.
The fire service has produced a special thatch information pack to help those living in thatched properties reduce their risk of fire. Anyone who would like a copy can email
communitysafety@rbfrs.co.uk, or telephone (0118) 938 4403. The pack can be downloaded at www.rbfrs.co.uk/fs2_topics.html.