Landlord thanks firefighters after their quick work stops blaze spreading to thatched roof of Buckinghamshire pub
The landlord of a Buckinghamshire village pub with a thatched roof has thanked firefighters for their quick actions to contain a chimney fire.
Bucks Fire and Rescue sent seven units to The Crooked Billet pub in Newton Longville after reports of a chimney fire at just after 6pm yesterday evening (Tuesday).
The pub reported on its Facebook page that there were no injuries or damage to property, with landlord Paul Thornton-Kitchen telling this paper that the fire service were at the scene within minutes.
Paul said: “We had 25 to 30 customers in the pub for drinks, and we had the fires on inside as usual.
“The log fires were ticking away as usual and suddenly the room started to fill with smoke.
“We started opening windows, and then my daughter who was working at the time noticed red embers from the roof coming into the garden outside.
“We shot outside and there were flames like lit embers, and because our pub has a thatched roof, we knew there was a problem.
“We got everyone out, phoned 999, and the fire service were there within minutes.”
Bucks Fire and Rescue Service reported that two crews from West Ashland, supported by crews from Broughton, Buckingham and Aylesbury, a turntable ladder from West Ashland and a water carrier from Broughton attended.
Firefighters used two hose reel jets, chimney firefighting equipment, a turntable ladder and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze, which was within the chimney stack.
The service’s incident log confirmed that it did not spread to the thatch of the pub on Westbrook End and reported that “crews worked quickly to contain the fire and prevent it extending into the roof space.”
Firefighters reinspected the pub around 9.30pm, with further thermal imaging checks confirming that all areas had cooled and there was no sign of reignition.
“It looked like the flue liner had failed, but the fire service couldn’t be sure,” Paul explained.
“They pointed out what we needed to do for repairs, and we have since had a structural engineer visit.
“Nothing like this has happened during my time with the pub, because we ensure the chimney is swept and well-maintained.
“The firefighters were brilliant, coming so quickly and dealing with the incident.
“They made a bit of a mess inside, but we still plied them with tea and coffee!”
The pub is open for business today (Wednesday) as normal.
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