PHOTOS: Firefighters scramble to save New Forest thatched cottage

MORE than 60 firefighters raced from across the area to try to save a thatched cottage ablaze in the New Forest.

Crews battled the emergency for about six hours yesterday evening (Wednesday) alongside teams sent by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

But the roof of the four-bedroom home in North Gorley, near Fordingbridge, was completely destroyed by the flames.

Nine engines and support vehicles from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the property, named Little Thatch, in Ringwood Road shortly after 7pm.

Firefighters mounted an aerial ladder platform to reach the blaze, and deployed six water jets, plus two compressed foam pumps and six sets of breathing apparatus.

New Forest fire crews despatched to the scene included those from Fordingbridge, Ringwood and Burley.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue described the roof as “100% destroyed by fire” but said there were no reports of any casualties.

South Central Ambulance Service despatched its hazardous area response team to the location be on standby.

The alert was formally closed at about 1am with some crew members remaining at the scene in North Gorley to dampen down into the early morning. Firefighters are investigating the cause of the blaze.