Thatched blaze at village home
Firefighters from Banbury, Hook Norton and Chipping Norton are currently at the scene of a thatched cottage in Swalcliffe after its roof caught fire this afternoon (Friday).
Seven fire engines and a rescue tender vehicle from Kidlington were called to the isolated property in Main Road at about 4.15pm after the female owner had lit a fire in the grate. No-one has been injured and crews are currently dampening down the thatched roof. A police cordon has been put in place at the end of both roads.
Concerned residents were stood around the property, and Mick Foley, who has lived in the village for 27 years, said: “Somebody driving past saw it coming through from the roof and knocked on the door to tell the owner something wasn’t right. The lady who lives in the house had lit the fire and I suspect the stainless steel flue inside the chimney could have been damaged or weakened.”
Michael Stanley, who also lives in the village, added: “It is surprising really, with all the rain we have had. It is a tragedy and very sad. I am amazed at how the fire keeps going and it is very resistant. Thatch is notorious for burning underneath and the water not being able to get through.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Banbury
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
