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Owners of thatched homes urged to make regular checks after two fires in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire Fire & rescue urge thatched cottage owners to carry out regular checks Credit: ITV News Anglia

Owners of homes with thatched roofs are being urged by Cambridge Fire & Rescue Service to carry out regular checks around the home to preven any fires.

It comes after two recent fires in the county which severely damaged properties in Papworth St Agnes and Great Gransden.

Both fires were probably caused by sparks from chimneys.

The aftermath of a thatched roof fire Credit: ITV News Anglia

"Good housekeeping and an awareness of potential dangers when maintaining a thatched roof property are essential to ensure that a fire can be prevented where possible. This includes regular checks on electrical fittings, regular chimney inspections, ensuring the property has working smoke alarms fitted correctly and that any work carried out in and around the property is done so in a manner that is considerate of the thatch.”

– Group Commander Kevin Napier, Head of Community Fire Safety