Aftermath
of a successfully
extinguished fire.
Note the mechanical "grab" on the right hand side used to remove slabs
of thatch as quickly as possible. Note also the firebreak running down from the
chimney. |
|
|
Fighting Thatch Fires
The success or failure of the
Fire Service to control fire in a thatched roof is largely a question of timing. If they are
able to attend at an early stage there is frequently the opportunity of rescuing at least
some of the property. However, because a fire can be spreading within a roof for a
considerable time before it is apparent on the surface, this is sadly a rare occurrence.
Pouring water
on a burning thatched roof has little effect other than containing the fire,
as penetration is unlikely to be more than 5 - 6cms. To put the fire out,
the thatch is dragged from the rafters and hosed down. If safety and circumstances
allow, firefighters will endeavour to cut a firebreak through the thatch
ahead of the fire. Due to the volume of smoke created and the unpredictability
of fire spread, this operation is fraught with danger as breaking through
the tightly packed thatch allows in oxygen and may simply increase the burning
rate. |
