Dry weather sparks fire risk

The insurer's warning comes after a spate of thatched roof fires.

On average, 1.5% (750) of the thatched properties in UK and Ireland will suffer fire damage each year with approximately 50 being totally destroyed.

Bob Johnson, technical survey manager, Ecclesiastical, said: "We're definitely seeing more fires in thatched roofs this year, which we believe is a result of the weather. Thick thatch is obviously highly flammable, but conditions in the UK mean it's usually damp, which suppresses the risk. But when it's dried out like it is now in many parts of the country, fire becomes a much greater risk.

"Once a fire takes hold of thatched roof, it's incredibly hard to extinguish. Thatch actually repels water very effectively, which makes a fire crew's job much harder.

"We're urging owners of thatched properties to ensure their chimneys are swept regularly and ensure their chimneys are properly insulated from the thatch material. It's our standard advice but this year the weather is making it even more important."

Over 90% of thatch fires are caused by faulty flues or chimneys. Research has shown that heat transfers through the chimney brickwork into the thatch, which eventually ignites. In the very dry conditions seen this spring however sparks emanating from the chimney falling onto tinder dry thatch are an obvious concern.

Mr Johnson added: "One of the problems we find is that when old thatch is replaced, the bottom layer is not removed and, over time, the thatch becomes deeper until the chimney mouth is barely above the thatch."