Thatched Pub Roof Fire Leads to Major Road Closure Near Devizes
A significant emergency response is underway in the Wiltshire village of Potterne after a fire broke out at a historic thatched pub this afternoon. Emergency services were called to The George & Dragon Inn on High Street at approximately 5:00 PM on Wednesday, reporting a fire in the building’s thatched roof.
Complex Firefighting Operation Underway
Firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are tackling the blaze, which presents specific challenges common to thatched properties. Thatch fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish because fire can smolder undetected within the thick, dry layers of the roof, often requiring extensive overhaul to ensure all hotspots are dampened. The service typically deploys aerial appliances, such as high-reach pumps and platforms, to access the roof and apply water or foam from above, while ground crews work to prevent internal spread.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed the scale of the operation, stating: “The A360 at High Street, Potterne is closed due to a roof fire. Court Hill from Worton into the village is also closed. This is likely to be for some time so please avoid the area.” The “some time” estimate reflects the meticulous process required to fully extinguish and then investigate a thatch fire, which can involve pulling apart sections of the roof to check for hidden embers.
Major Traffic Disruption Expected for Hours
In response to the incident and the firefighting effort, two key routes are fully closed. The A360 High Street is shut in both directions through Potterne, severing a primary link between Devizes and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, Court Hill, the road leading into the village from Worton, is also closed. These closures are necessary to provide a safe operational zone for emergency vehicles and equipment, and to protect the public from potential hazards like falling debris or structural instability.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes. The closure is expected to cause significant local disruption for several hours, potentially extending into the evening, as crews work to secure the scene and begin preliminary investigations into the fire’s cause.
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Image Credit: www.wiltshire999s.co.uk
