FIFTY firefighters have tackled a large thatch fire in Suffolk today.

FIFTY firefighters have tackled a large thatch fire in Suffolk today.

Eight crews from the county were called to Tuddenham House on Main Road, Tuddenham St Martin, at about 4pm.

They used water from the property's swimming pool as well as jets and a turn-table ladder to control the blaze, which completely destroyed the roof of the house and left the road closed while villagers watched the smoke and flames billowing from the house.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue assistant divisional officer Martyn Thorpe said: “Crews have been busy extinguishing the flames and carrying out the salvage work.

“The owners weren't on the premises at the time but have returned.

“Initially the police were called to investigate an intruder alarm which may have been triggered by the fire; they then called us.

“We used the swimming pool in the grounds for a water supply because it was instant rather than having to set our equipment up.

“There is now severe fire and smoke damage to the first floor and moderate heat, smoke and water damage to the ground floor.”

ADO Thorpe added that the firefighters had not initially entered the property because the fire was believed to be dangerous and so they used defensive techniques from the outside to extinguish it.

For more information about how to prevent thatch fires call Suffolk Fire and Rescue on 01473 588888 or e-mail enquiries@fire.suffolkcc.gov.uk.