Three heroic teens alert homeowners to thatched roof fire

The three teenagers, passing through Holt Lane, in the village of Holt, on the evening of Friday, February 10, noticed smoke coming from the thatched roof of a ‘pretty’ house and former post office.  

Seventeen-year-old Tom Humphrey, who was with friends Nat Harper and Ollie Strudwick, said: “We looked ahead and all thought ‘that’s not normal’ and headed for the house. 

Tom Humphrey (Image: Daily Echo)

“Ollie called the fire brigade and, when we got to the door, started knocking because we didn’t know if anybody was inside, but there was nothing. 

“We managed to get through the door, ran in and shouted to the couple inside to get out because their house is on fire. They were sitting downstairs in the sitting room unaware of the fire.

“We got them outside and I said, ‘have you got all your pets?’ and Nat also made a very good point of the passports still being in the house, so they were all retrieved.

“At this point visually, it was only a small fire on the roof, but I was also completely aware that because it was a thatched roof the loft could be completely ablaze. 

Nat Harper (Image: Nat Harper)

Tom said he then went inside having remembered the log fire and the power was still on and made it a priority to stop them both. 

“At this point the adrenaline was properly running. I burnt my finger whilst doing this and didn’t realise until a few hours later," he said.

The fire tore through the first floor of the house, completely destroying the thatched roof in the process. At its height, 12 fire engines and around 60 firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Ollie Strudwick (Image: Ollie Strudwick)

Most possessions downstairs were recovered thanks to the three friends’ quick thinking, preventing thousands of pounds' worth of damage.  

He added: “It was the craziest few hours I’ve ever had.” 

Nat said: “My friend and I were so glad that we were able to help as much as possible but it was truly devastating seeing the destruction the fire had on the home that they loved.” 

Ollie added: “Living in a thatched cottage myself this experience was very close to home for me.  

The fire happened on Friday, February 6 (Image: DWFRS)

“I’m so grateful that’s me and my friends were able to get everyone out and safe before the situation got worse.  

“I’m thankful for the firefighters for the extremely hard work and courage and everyone did a great job.”