Battisford: Owners speak after their dream cottage is destroyed in thatch fire

Aftermath of the house fire in the village of Battisford.

Matt Hunter Friday, March 21, 2014 1:48 PM

The owners of a home gutted in a devastating thatch fire are today trying to rebuild their lives.

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Annie Hand was alone in her dream cottage in Battisford, near Stowmarket, yesterday evening, oblivious to the fire that had started above her at about 4.50pm. It was only when one of her neighbours friends banged on the door that she got out and realised the nightmare that was developing around her.

She said: I was at home when it started, totally unaware that it was alight. The neighbour was banging on the door and said your house is on fire!

When I was outside I saw the thatch was alight below the chimney. I went round the back to get the dogs and it had already spread. It was clear it had been burning for a while.

Ms Hand was at the home, in Mill Road, waiting for her partner Ian Bell, who works in Hertfordshire for a logistics and freight firm, to return.

She said: He was coming off the A14 when the fire trucks came past and the bowsers - but thought they could not be for us. He then followed them up the road home.

Its the worst nightmare if you live in a thatch. You take the risk but you dont think its going to happen.

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Battisford: Owners speak after their dream cottage is destroyed in thatch fire