OWNERS of thatched cottages across Hampshire have been warned to take special precautions to prevent a Christmas tragedy.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued an alert following a blaze that destroyed an ancient cottage on the edge of the New Forest.

As reported in the Daily Echo, flames ripped through Dairy Cottage in Mockbeggar Lane, Ibsley, on Sunday night.

More than 70 firefighters from Hampshire and Dorset tackled the blaze, but were unable to prevent the flames destroying the roof and first floor.

Firefighters have issued advice to thousands of other people who own thatched cottages in the Forest and other rural parts of the county.

They are anxious to prevent another blaze in the run-up to Christmas, particularly one involving loss of life.

A fire service spokesman said owners should fit smoke detectors in the roof space and spray the thatch with a special fire-resistant substance.

He added: "More than 90 per cent of fires in thatched properties are caused by faults in the flue or chimney.

"All chimneys should be examined, both inside and outside the property, and it's vital they're swept at least twice a year.

"Where possible the top of any chimney pots should be at least 1.8 metres above the ridge.

"Spark arresters can prevent sparks from the flue landing on the thatch, but they must be cleaned regularly.

"A working smoke detector should be provided in the roof space and linked to others in the home, and thatched roofs should be sprayed with an external surface coating of fire-tested silicon-based compounds."

Paul Christopher of the Community Fire Safety team referred to the Ibsley blaze and a similar fire at Bramshill, near Basingstoke, the day before.

He said: "This is a very difficult time for the families involved, particularly as these tragedies have happened so close to Christmas."