TWO thatched homes were severely damaged after a fire broke out in a terraced thatched property in Petrockstowe last Thursday evening.

The end of terrace property where the fire broke out was severely damaged by fire, while the central property suffered 50% damage to its roof and 25% damage to the living space.

Eight fire appliances from Hatherleigh, Torrington, Okehampton, North Tawton, Bideford and Chulmleigh were initially mobilised to the scene at around 5.45pm.

Upon arrival, crews discovered three terraced thatched properties, with the roof of the end of terrace property well alight.

Crews remained on scene throughout the night, and work continued damping down the roof until the following afternoon.

Fire breaks were created in the roof of the second property to attempt to prevent the spread of the fire, and water was shuttled from open water a mile from the fire.

A local farmer assisted firefighters, using a mechanical digger to remove thatch from the property.

The incident was attended by fire appliances from sixteen stations, as well as an incident command unit from Exmouth, a hose layer from Honiton and a water bowser from Exeter.