Fires in thatched properties

The New Forest has a strong association with the use of thatch as a roofing material.

From its 18^th/19^th century encroachment cottages to its late 19^th/early 20^th century Arts and Crafts small country houses, they all contribute to the National Park’s cultural heritage.

Out of the 1600 listed buildings in the New Forest area, approximately 20% of those are thatched, with many more in the National Park Locally Listed.

The New Forest National Park is lucky enough to contain a number of different types of thatch and further information on this can be found in our thatching guidance leaflet.

Sadly, fires in thatched properties can spread quickly and, due to the water-repellent nature of the material, they can be difficult to extinguish.

Please follow the links (right) to guidance and advice in about preventing fire in a thatched building. Further information and advice can be provided by our Building Design and Conservation Team.

• Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire Service: Thatched living – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Official website of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service
• Historic England Advice: Reducing the Risk of Fires in Thatched Properties with Wood- | Historic England
• Historic England research report: Fires in Thatched Properties with Wood-Burning Stoves | Historic England
• Webinar on Buildings at Risk 1: Fire in Thatched Buildings by Historic England https://historicengland.adobeconnect.com/pgvhlfk3kxe9/
• The National Society of Master Thatchers: Fire Prevention Advice | Thatch House Fire Advice | NSMT
• Local Authority Building Control – The Dorset Model labcpd0914_techg_thatched_buildings_0.pdf