There’s something timeless about a thatched roof. They bring character to our villages, charm to our countryside, and a sense of heritage that makes Suffolk such a beautiful place to live. In fact, thatching is enjoying a revival, with more homeowners choosing to restore or preserve these traditional roofs.
But while thatched homes are picturesque, they also come with some very particular risks. Sadly, we’ve seen a couple of thatch fires in Suffolk in recent weeks - stark reminders that once a blaze takes hold, it spreads rapidly through the thatch and is extremely difficult to put out. Too often, the result is devastating and can cause irreparable damage to a home.
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself. Prevention is the best defence, and by taking some sensible precautions you can dramatically reduce the chances of a fire breaking out.
Chimneys: your first line of defence
Most thatch fires begin in the chimney. That’s why regular maintenance is so important. Get your chimney swept by a qualified professional at least once a year, and more often if you use it regularly. Look out for warning signs such as staining on plasterwork, soot in the loft, or deposits on the chimney breast - these may mean something is wrong.
Structural improvements can make a big difference too. Raising the height of your chimney, adding a pot, or lining the flue will all help stop sparks or heat from reaching the thatch. As a rule of thumb, the top of your chimney pot should be at least 1.8 metres above the thatch. Extra distance means extra safety. Always seek advice from a qualified chimney engineer before making changes.
Fires and wood burners
If you enjoy an open fire or wood burner, a few simple habits will keep you safer. Only burn well-seasoned wood, damp logs release moisture and gases that create tar inside your chimney, which is highly flammable. Use a stove pipe thermometer to make sure your burner is running at the right temperature - too hot and sparks can escape, too cool and you risk dangerous build-ups of soot and tar.
Never use petrol or paraffin to start a fire and always use a fire guard. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure the fire is fully extinguished. And remember - children should never be left unattended near open flames.
Electrical safety
Electrical faults are another common cause of fires in thatched homes. Don’t overload sockets and unplug chargers once you have finished with them. Avoid charging laptops or phones overnight. Look out for flickering lights, scorch marks, or loose wiring, and have your system checked periodically by a qualified electrician.
Bonfires, fireworks, and contractors
If you live under thatch, steer clear of bonfires, fireworks, and sky lanterns - they are simply too risky. It’s also worth reminding your neighbours about this, as their actions could put your home in danger.
When having building work done, set some ground rules with contractors. Tools like blowtorches and heat guns should never be used anywhere near a thatched roof - all it takes is a single spark in the wrong place to cause catastrophe.
Kitchen safety
Two thirds of house fires begin in the kitchen. The advice here applies to everyone, but it’s especially important in a thatched home. Keep flammable items like tea towels away from hobs, never overfill chip pans, and keep a fire blanket nearby.
Alarms and escape plans
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re installed in the right places and kept in working order. Fit alarms on every floor of your home, including the loft space, and test them weekly. Ten-year battery alarms are a good option. In addition, make sure you have a clear fire escape plan. Talk it through with your family so everyone knows what to do and how to get out quickly if the worst happens.
Help is at hand
Owning a thatched property is something to be proud of but keeping it safe requires a little extra care. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety visits, tailored to thatched homes, where we can help you spot risks and make changes that keep you safe.
To book your visit, call our Prevention Team on 01473 260588. It could save not just your home, but your life.
Together, we can continue to protect Suffolk’s unique character and ensure our rural communities remain safe and resilient. You can find out more about thatched property safety on our website: www.suffolk.gov.uk.
