Firefighters soon at scene of blaze near Shrewsbury
Firefighters were on the scene of a blaze at a thatched cottage within seconds – because they were undergoing water training just a few hundred yards away.
The fire started in a chimney of a house in Atcham, near Shrewsbury, and the alarm was raised by neighbours.
Luckily, a team of firefighters was on the river nearby on a training exercise.
Tean Treharne, officer in charge of the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service crews, said: "
The fire involved a log burner which had spread to the thatched roof.
"It is believed an ember from the chimney had landed on the thatch."
Four fire appliances from Shrewsbury and Telford attended. About 10 per cent of the roof was affected by the fire.
Crew manager Treharne said it was important to ensure that chimneys were swept regularly and that houses had smoke alarms fitted.
