Firefighters respond to thatched roof fire in Ringwood

Group manager Jim Couch, who was incident commander last night said: “Last night we were alerted to a fire at a thatched cottage in Poulner, Ringwood. 10 fire engines and over 50 firefighters were swiftly on scene to tackle the blaze. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

“Thanks to go our colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, who worked with our crews throughout the evening to get the fire under control.

“There has unfortunately been significant damage to the property. It’s a devastating loss for the residents of the property, but thankfully there was no injuries.

“These types of incidents can cause concern for other residents of thatched properties. I encourage anyone living in a property with a thatched roof to read our fire safety advice for thatched properties.”

(Image: Submitted)

(Image: Submitted)

(Image: Submitted)

The fire is still smouldering as we move into Sunday afternoon.

Latest photos from the scene also show the building has partially collapsed.

(Image: Submitted)

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: "We currently have two fire engines at the scene, monitoring and damping down any hotspots. An investigation is taking place to determine the cause of the fire.

"At its height, 10 fire engines, additional support vehicles and over 50 firefighters were on scene. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance, working with Hampshire crews to extinguish the fire."

Two fire engines remain on scene

Two fire engines remain on the scene monitoring hotspots, the fire service has confirmed.

This photo, taken in July 2021 and courtesy of The Ringwood Society, shows what the building looked like before the blaze.

(Image: The Ringwood Society)

Passerby Simon Rowley said: "The home is completely, absolutely and totally destroyed.

"There is nothing left of the place."

These drone pictures from Paddy Butler show the scale of the blaze

(Image: Paddy Butler)

(Image: Paddy Butler)

More pictures from the response as firefighters remain on scene this morning for a second day.

(Image: Simon Rowley)

(Image: Simon Rowley)

(Image: Simon Rowley)

Hampshire Fire and Rescue downscaled their response to the incident at around 10pm.

They had four fire engines on scene at that time.

"We'll have a presence on scene overnight," a spokesperson said.

This is the scene in Nouale Lane this morning.

The fire destroyed a 200-year-old Grade II-listed thatched cottage, Nouale Cottage.

(Image: Simon Rowley)

Fire service issues thatched roof advice

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued "bespoke guidance" for owners of thatched properties.

It includes how to keep the chimney safe, what to do if you're using a wood-burning stove, advice on maintenance and insurance, and what to do if there is an emergency.

You can find the full advice here.

Ten fire engines on scene

Ten fire engines, additional support vehicles and over 50 firefighters are on scene. Firefighters are using breathing apparatus and four hose reel jets to bring the fire under control.

Six of the fire engines are from Dorset & Wiltshire. They join firefighters, fire engines and support vehicles from Beaulieu, Cosham, Eastleigh, Fordingbridge, Hightown, Lyndhurst, Redbridge, Ringwood and St Mary’s.

Residents 'self-evacuated'

Residents had got themselves out of the building, the fire service has confirmed.

A spokesperson said: "At 17:30 this evening we were called to a fire in the roof of a thatched property. The residents had self evacuated, but the fire was sadly already affecting a large portion of the roof.

"Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are also in attendance, working with Hampshire crews to extinguish the fire.

"Residents are being advised to avoid the area where possible, and keep windows and doors closed due to potential smoke in the area."

(Image: NQ)

Residents advised to keep windows shut

Residents in the Ringwood area are being urged to keep their windows and doors shut this evening due to smoke in the area.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has also asked people to avoid the area due to the number of emergency services vehicles on the site.

⚠️ We're at a thatched roof fire on Nouale Ln, just off of the A31 nr Ringwood.
🚒 Please avoid the area where possible, as a large number of emergency vehicles are attending the scene.
✅ If you live nearby, please keep your doors and windows closed due to smoke. pic.twitter.com/PuXzUMJW3T

— Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (@HantsIOW_fire) March 15, 2025

Firefighters have descended on Nouale Lane in Ringwood after a thatched roof fire.

The fire broke out at around 5.30pm.

(Image: NQ)

More than 50 firefighters are battling a thatched roof fire in Ringwood this evening.

Follow for live updates.