Fire crews tackle thatched property fire in Cowgrove, Wimborne

After speaking to the fire service, the Daily Echo was told earlier that crews were called just after 2pm today, Sunday, May 23 to reports of a fire.

Eight fire engines were in attendance earlier today along with approximately 50 firefighters. 

Three engines are currently at the scene.

Crews from Wimborne, Poole, Redhill, Ferndown, Westbourne and Blandford attended and on arrival found the thatch roof well alight.

The roof and first floor have been completely destroyed by fire and significant damage has been made to the ground floor.

Four main lines and three hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire as well as ladders and equipment for stripping away, which involved a two storey building measuring 30m x 10m. 

Fire crews tackle thatched property fire in Cowgrove, Wimborne. Photo: Anthony Oliver MBE

Former Wimborne mayor Anthony Oliver MBE was at the scene.

He said: "We live right in the centre of Wimborne and when we saw all the fire engines going past I thought 'this must be a thatched cottage fire" and I was right. It was so sad and it's just so tragic to see such a scene. 

"I believe the building is owned by the National Trust with farmers living in the house. 

"When I was at the scene one of the local farmers said to me that they don't suppose there will be anything left, it's very tragic.

"It is a tragic sadness to see a house go up in flames. My sympathies go out to all those involved."

No casualties have been reported and the incident has now been scaled back to three fire engines.

However, crews will remain on scene for dampening down and watching brief.