Thatched cottage roof ablaze near Orford

At least six crews have been called to the scene, in Wantisden, with more engines currently on standby.

The B1084 has been closed by police (Image: Archant)

The blaze is understood to have taken hold in the roof of a thatched cottage off Woodbridge Road and ended up involving the whole roof.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was first alerted to the incident at 10.56am on Thursday.

Firefighters at the scene of a thatched property blaze in Wantisden (Image: SFRS/Twitter)

The B1084 was closed by police for several hours and UK Power Networks engineers have isolated the power to the property.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said there had been no reported casualties.

Crews from as far afield as Ipswich, Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Halesworth and Haverhill were mobilised.

By 1pm good progress was being made on the site and some appliances were sent back to base.

The road closure was lifted at 3.30pm, as it was deemed that it was no longer required.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue said; "As of 4:30pm, 3 crews remain at the incident (relief crews from Orford, Bungay and Stowmarket) and continue to monitor and make the scene safe."

He added that there is no information at this time as to a possible cause for the fire.

David McGinity, chairman of Butley, Capel St Mary and Wantisden Parish Council said that the community had been devastated by the fire.

"Everyone is very shocked by what has happened" said Mr McGinity.

"We are trying to establish what we can do."

Mr McGinity said that neighbours were looking to support the family affected by the fire in whatever way they could with some offering accommodation.

"We are thinking of doing a crowdfunding page," said Mr McGinity.

He added that the Butley parish charity was also looking at making a donation to help the family.

"We are looking at giving them a cash donation to help them start off," said Mr McGinity.