DOZENS of firefighters tackled a major blaze at a thatched property near Torrington early this morning.

Initially three pumps from Bideford and Torrington were called to the scene at Kingscott where the thatch on an end terrace two-storey cottage was alight.

It formed part of a range of thatched buildings in an L shape.

Extra crews were called in from Barnstaple, Appledore, Hatherleigh and Chulmleigh along with the compressed air foam appliance from Exmouth, water bowser from Barnstaple and hose layer from Tavistock.

With the thatch well alight extra manpower was brought in from Okehampton, Hartland, Braunton and South Molton.

Firefighters made fire breaks in the thatch and used compressed air foam in the roof space in an effort to protect the neighbouring properties.

Four ladders, two main jets, three hose reels and 14 breathing apparatus sets were used along with a thermal imagining camera.

By 2.35am this morning relief crews were sent out from North Tawton, Middlemoor, Chagford and Credition.

Around 5am steady progress was being made and relief crews changed over.

Fire fighters managed to save the other properties in the terrace but the one on the end was severely damaged by fire.

All of the thatched roof was destroyed, 90% of the first floor and 60% of the ground floor were severely damaged.