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Fire Safety For Thatched Properties

Statistically, homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs.  However, if a thatched roof does ignite the results are rapid and spectacular, so we would advise owners to take some simple precautions. As the thatch is designed to repel water it makes it more difficult for the Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish such fires. There are between 70 – 100 fires in thatched properties each year – in the majority of cases these originate from the chimney.

Recent research has shown the major cause of fires in thatched properties is heat transfer from the chimney into the thatch - often caused from wood burning stoves or open fires. The thatch then reaches its ignition temperature and a roof fire can develop. Below is some advice to help prevent a fire in your thatched property:-

 

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

Have the chimney swept regularly by a qualified chimney sweep. A chimney in regular use should be swept twice a year

Only burn seasoned wood

Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney engineer

Develop a fire plan for your home

Install a fire blanket in the kitchen

Check the electrical system throughout your home

Restrict the use of bonfires near to your property

Consider an early warning fire detection system within the thatch. This will give you an early warning of any overheating of the thatch and enable the fire brigade to react quickly BEFORE the fire starts

Install an outside tap with enough hose to reach around the house including the roof. This can be used to extinguish any fires at an early stage

Residential sprinkler systems will greatly improve the fire precautions within your home. The advantages will be much better life safety and property protection

If you are undertaking renovation work or re-roofing, consider forming a fireproof barrier between the roof timbers and the thatch layer. Any thatch fire will then be mainly restricted to the thatch and will not get into the structure of the house so greatly limiting the damage from fire.