Wiltshire road closed as firefighters battle thatched cottage blaze

A road has been closed by police as firefighters battle a thatched cottage blaze.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Hackthorne Road, Durrington, at around 5pm this afternoon (Saturday).

A cottage with a thatched roof has caught on fire – with numerous fire crews in attendance as they race to bring save possessions from the building.

Thatch fires are notoriously difficult to tackle, and usually keep firefighters busy for at least 24 hours.

Local residents are being told to keep their windows and doors shut due to the smoke plume.

In a statement, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 5.08pm today (12 April) to Hackthorne Road, Durrington to reports of a thatch fire.

”Crews from Amesbury, Marlborough, Warminster, Mere, Shaftesbury (x2), Trowbridge, Verwood, a water carrier from Wilton, a command unit from Devizes and an aerial ladder platform from Salisbury are currently in attendance.

“On arrival, they found a well-developed fire affecting the roof and first floor of the property.

“Firefighters are using multiple hose reel jets, main lines and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish.

“We are working closely with our colleagues at Wiltshire Police and the ambulance service and we are likely to be in attendance until the early hours of tomorrow morning.

“The A345 and Church Street remains closed until further notice. No casualties have been reported.”

Wiltshire Police officers are at the incident too – providing assistance on road closures.

A force spokesperson said: “Please be advised Hackthorne Road in Durrington is closed due to an ongoing incident.

“Road closures are in place at the A345 and Church Street.

“Officers are supporting our colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with a house fire.”