FIRE CREWS from seven different stations were called to a cottage blaze last night (March 24) after a thatched roof caught alight.

Crews, including one from Wethersfield, spent nearly six hours tackling the blaze at the cottage on Church Street in Gestingthorpe, Halstead.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 6.30pm and four appliances were dispatched to extinguish the fire, which by 7pm have engulfed half of the roof. On arrival, a further four appliances were requested.

•7.39pm: An additional pump was sent to the scene for manpower. The officer in charge reported that 50 per cent of the roof was still alight and that firefighters were carrying out salvage operations. The fire has been sectorised, crews have pitched five ladders to the property and are using two hose reels to tackle flames.

•8:15pm: Crews report that 75 per cent of the roof of the cottage is still well alight. Salvage operations are complete. 30 Firefighters in breathing apparatus are using five hose reels and one main jet to bring flames under control. A six pump relief was sent to the scene at 21:00 hrs.

•9.41pm: The incident was brought under control by 21:41 hrs.

•11:59pm: crews reported steady progress turning over and damping down and by

Fire crews finally had the situation under control by 12.21am. ECFRS have reported that there were no casualties and no information relating to the cause of the fire at this stage.