SCORES of firefighters have been tackling a thatched roof fire in North Bovey.

Fire control at Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service received a report of a fire at a property in the village yesterday evening (Wednesday, May 20).

Eight fire engines were mobilised, including from Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Chagford and Moretonhampstead, as well as a water carrier, aerial ladder platform and a welfare unit from Crediton.

Upon arrival, crews were faced with smoke issuing from the thatched roof and got to work stripping the thatch to check for fire spread, monitoring the roof from different sides of the property.

Crews used: a 105m ladder; 135m ladder; hose reel jet; 45mm attack jet and small tools.

As of this morning, Thursday, May 21, the fire service say the thatch has been 30 per cent damage by fire.

‘This incident is believed to have been accidental’, a spokesperson for Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.