OWNERS of thatched cottages will be visited by the fire service after a "devastating" blaze near Bere Regis.
More than 50 firefighters were called to Affpuddle earlier this month after a property was badly damaged by a thatch fire.
Some 20 crews - including those based at Poole, Westbourne, Hamworthy, Wimborne, Swanage and Cranborne - were called to the scene at the height of the blaze.
Firefighters from Bere Regis will visit homeowners in Affpuddle and Tolpuddle this week to give advice about fire safety.
A spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "This follows the devastating blaze at a thatched cottage in Affpuddle.
"Firefighters will work with 'safe and well' advisor Linda Purr to visit properties in the two villages, especially those with thatched roofs."
For more information, or for a free safe and well visit, call 0800 038 2323.
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