Many fires result from an old and inappropriate flue liner. We recommend that you contact a professional installer to review your flue liner to ensure it is adequate for the type of fire or appliance that you are using. There are a number of different types and we recommend that you consider one of the following:

• A lining made of pumice, clay, ceramic or concrete; or
• A twin walled rigid system – a steel inner and outer lining filled with rockwool; or
• A steel outer and ceramic inner lining filled with insulated rockwool.

A liner of one of these types will greatly reduce the risk of transfer of heat through the brick work to the thatch.

• An electrician should check electrical wires in the roof space at least once every 10 years.
• Your electricity provider may conduct a free visual check for you. We recommend that all cabling in the roof space comply with BS6027 Part 1 – “wiring systems using mineral insulated cable”.
• Minimise any roof space electrical wiring next to thatch. Consider putting electric lights at floor level away from the thatch using bulk head fittings.
• External security lighting should be at least one metre away from any part of the thatched roof. The heat generated from halogen lights is sufficient to cause combustion in the thatch. Isolate external lights when carrying out maintenance to the roof.
• Ensure the incoming power supply is over a metre from the perimeter of the thatch or sheath protected accordingly.