Fire Crews across Dorset were called to a thatch fire in Puncknowle last night (Tuesday).

Three appliances from Bridport - two fire engines and the water carrier - both pumps from Weymouth and crews from Charmouth and Beaminster responded just after 8pm.

A spokesman for Bridport Fire Station said: "The property owner had been alerted by a passer-by to flames in their thatched roof. They quickly pitched their own ladder and using a garden hose, managed to dampen down the flames whilst others dialled 999."

Crews used two nine metre ladders, a roof ladder, one hose reel jet, two thermal imaging cameras, one chimney kit, working at height gear and small tools to remove a section of thatch and extinguish the fire.

The spokesman added: "No major damage was caused thanks to the quick thinking and actions of the passer-by and home owner.

"Fire investigation believed the cause of the fire was due to embers from the chimney.

"Living in a thatched property doesn't mean you are any more at risk from fire, but it does mean you need to consider your fire safety and maintain your home to prevent fire."

For more information on fire safety for thatched properties, follow this link.