Firefighters battle fire in thatched cottage
More than sixty firefighters have been battling to save a thatched cottage near Worthing after fire broke out in the roof this evening.
Crews were called to the property in The Street at Clapham shortly at 4:50pm and arrived to find smoke and flames already coming from the roof area near to the chimney.
Ladders were pitched to the roof as the firefighters worked to create a fire break in the thatch at the same time as further crews wearing breathing apparatus went inside to try and stop the fire spreading and salvage furniture and belongings on the first floor.
The fire was found to be burning deep within the thatch and crews then worked in rotation to try and remove it and protect the rest of the property.
Firefighters remain at the scene and relief crews are expected to be in attendance overnight. Volunteers from the Red Cross Fire Emergency Support Service are also at the scene providing temporary welfare facilities.
There are no reported injuries.
The fire is thought to have started accidentally but a more detailed investigation will begin in daylight tomorrow. Initial investigations have focused on a wood burning stove that was in use at the time fire broke out.
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