FIREFIGHTERS are battling a reported thatch cottage fire in Sopley this evening.
Police are on the scene and roads have been closed so emergency services can tackle the blaze.
Breaking: Traffic chaos as Sopley fire causes gridlock @dailyecho pic.twitter.com/0yoTFTsdHe
— PositivaIMS (@PositivaIMS) February 12, 2015
There are reports the top of the Avon Causeway has also been closed to traffic.
A worker at The Woolpack pub said she saw smoke coming from the roof at about 5.30pm-5.45pm so she went over to see if the neighbour was OK.
The lady who owns the property was using a garden hose to desperately put out the fire. Fire engines arrived and they are currently taking the thatch off the roof but the whole roof is on fire and part of the upstairs.
She said the owner was salvaging her belongings from the property but her first priority was to save her dog and cat, which are both being looked after the pub.
Eyewitnesses say 10 fire engines are on the scene.
More to follow.
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