Fire engulfs historic thatched cottage as 60 firefighters battle flames
A blaze tore through the thatched roof of a 300-year-old cottage in Devon, sending plumes of smoke over farmland. Firefighters from three stations worked through the night, as local residents watched the structure smolder at daybreak.
Emergency crews responded to calls just after 11:47 p.m. on Saturday night when flames erupted through the dry thatch of the Grade II-listed cottage in the village of Chudleigh. By the time 62 firefighters from Newton Abbot, Exeter, and Torquay stations arrived, the roof was fully ablaze, and embers were already showering neighboring properties.
Crews established a 200-meter cordon as flames licked the timber beams of the 18th-century building, its whitewashed walls glowing in the heat. Firefighters used three hydraulic platforms to bring the blaze under control, while a high-volume pump drafted water from a nearby stream to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent barns and outbuildings.
Key Points
- ✅ 62 firefighters from three stations battled the blaze
- ⚡ Cottage built in the 1700s, listed as Grade II
- 💡 Roof fully engulfed within 20 minutes of arrival
The fire service confirmed no injuries but said the cottage’s interior was extensively damaged, with the thatch reduced to ash and charred beams sagging into the structure. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service described the blaze as one of the most challenging they’d faced this year, citing the cottage’s historic construction and the speed at which the thatch ignited.
| Fire Response Detail | Newton Abbot Station | Exeter Station | Torquay Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters Deployed | 20 | 24 | 18 |
| Appliances Used | 2 Pump Ladders | 1 Water Carrier | 1 Rescue Pump |
Local farmer Tom Hargreaves, whose land borders the cottage, said the fire was visible for miles, with thick black smoke billowing over the valley. "I’ve never seen anything like it," he said. "The thatch went up like kindling, and the heat was intense even from my fields." Fire investigators have cordoned off the site and will begin damage assessment on Sunday morning.
💡 Pro Tip
Historic buildings with thatched roofs pose unique fire risks—keep gutters clear of dry debris and install fire-resistant barriers between thatch and timbers to slow spread.
The cottage, known locally as "The Old Forge," was a popular subject for photographers and had been used as a backdrop for several period dramas. Its loss leaves a gap in Chudleigh’s heritage landscape, where similar cottages date back to the 1600s. The fire service has urged residents with thatched roofs to review their fire safety plans, especially during dry spells. "Thatched roofs are beautiful but highly flammable," said Station Manager Lisa Carter. "A single spark can turn a picturesque cottage into ash in minutes."
📋 By The Numbers
- 300+ years — Age of the cottage
- 18 minutes — Time to fully engulf the roof from first flame
- 3.2 hectares — Land area affected by smoke and cordon
Firefighters remained on scene overnight, damping down hotspots to prevent re-ignition. By dawn, the structure was a smoldering skeleton, its once-charmed exterior now blackened and collapsed inward. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no indication of foul play at this stage. Residents are advised to avoid the area due to weakened floorboards and potential structural instability.
- 11:47 p.m. — 999 call received
- 12:05 a.m.
- 6:15 a.m. — Fire declared under control
- 8:00 a.m. — Structural safety assessment begins
Heritage groups have expressed dismay, calling for stricter preservation measures for Devon’s remaining thatched cottages. "These buildings are irreplaceable," said Eleanor Whitmore of the Devon Historic Buildings Trust. "Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever."