THREE homes have been destroyed after a fire ripped through a terrace of thatched cottages near Barton Stacey at the weekend.

At the height of the blaze, over 100 firefighters and 19 fire engines from across Hampshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire were deployed to The Barracks in Bransbury, where they fought to save a fourth cottage.

Firefighters were called to the scene just after 4pm on Sunday, and the fire took almost three days to extinguish.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze, and residents paid tribute to the fire service, with one describing them as “phenomenal”.

In response, neighbours have banded together to support those affected, and an online fundraiser has been set up.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have since warned residents of thatched cottages to ensure that any flues and chimneys are safe, revealing that over 90 per cent of fires in thatched properties are caused by these issues.

Incident Commander Rob Cole said: “Thank you to all the emergency services who attended this unfortunate incident and worked hard throughout the night to save the properties and household belongings.”

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- NHS Trust makes changes after Andover woman's death

- Andover vicar reflects on time in the parish as she steps down

- Major General denies fraud charge

- Bilbao Court plans objected to by town council

- Derelict offices to be transformed

- Saucy books raise eyebrows in village

- Inside school reopenings

- Picture spreads for World Book Day and Mother's Day

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