Investigation to begin into cause of blaze at thatched cottage in Sopley

Firefighters were able to salvage most of the contents of the £850,000 house, but an “intense” fire ripped through the roof of the Grade II listed property at Sopley yesterday evening.

The homeowner was forced to stand by helplessly as her cottage burned, in a drama attended by around 45 firefighters.

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service incident commander Manager Sandy Thompson said: “The firefighters did a fantastic job in salvaging most of the contents of the house whilst fighting the fire from the outside.

“During the fire the chimney stack had become unstable so it wasn't safe for our crews to fight the fire from inside.

“They tackled the fire from outside in a controlled manner.”

Four Hampshire fire crews and three engines from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene, at the building on the junction of Derritt Lane and the B3347 in Sopley, after the first reports of a fire were made at 5.41pm yesterday.

The scene of the blaze this morning

A Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesman confirmed the investigation into what caused the fire was due to start this morning.

As firefighters tackled the blaze, concerns over two chimney stacks left standing above the wreckage of the roof forced them to abandon the property.

“We're not sure how well those stacks are being supported,” said Mr Thompson at that time.

He added: “There is a glass conservatory which is acting as a fire break, and it's helping to protect the outbuildings.”

Neighbours spoke of their shock and sadness as the property, described as “the most beautiful” in the area, was engulfed in flames.

One, who didn't want to be named, said: “We're all devastated.

“This house has stood for generations. Watching it burn is almost unbearable.”

Windows at the front of the house had been shattered in the blaze, and at the height of the fire a haze of dense smoke could be seen around two miles away.

Motorists were affected as road closures were put in place in the area.