A thatched roof caught fire yesterday (Wednesday 13 May) and the blaze took more than four hours to put out.
The fire service said: “East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called at 3.58pm on Wednesday 13 May to reports of a thatched roof fire in London Road, Battle.
“As of 4.26pm, we currently have seven fire engines on scene.
“Please avoid the area and local residents please keep doors and windows closed due to smoke.”
The fire service issued an update 5pm, saying: “We have seven fire engines, one aerial ladder platform, water carrier and dual-purrpose truck in attendance.
“Firefighters have also been using two main jets and one fire hydrant to tackle the fire.
“Please continue to avoid the area and local residents please keep doors and windows closed.”
An update at 6pm said: “Crews have been working incredibly hard to bring the fire under control and are making good progress.
“Road closures are in place so please continue to avoid the area.”
A further update at 7pm said: “As of 6.40pm, the incident has now been scaled down to three fire engines and one aerial ladder platform.
“Firefighters continue to work at the scene to remove sections of the thatched roof to prevent fire spread and extinguish any hotspots.”
As of 7.06pm the A2100 was reopened, the fire service said, adding: “Please avoid the area, where possible, due to congestion and to allow our crews to continue to work.”
An update at 11pm said: “The fire was extinguished by 8.27pm.
“However, crews remained on scene working to remove thatching from the roof to check for any hot spots.
“Crews have liaised with the homeowner and a reinspection is due to take place overnight.”
Today (Thursday 14 May), the fire service added: “A reinspection took place at 2.10am. Thermal imaging cameras were used for precautionary checks.
“All firefighting operations are now complete. There were no casualties reported.”
