Swimming pool water used to extinguish Essex thatched roof fire

Firefighters used water drawn from a nearby swimming pool to help extinguish a thatched roof fire in Woodham Mortimer, Essex. Crews from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to Maldon Road at 00:38 BST. Because of what officials described as “a difficult water supply,” the teams had to shuttle water to the scene not only from the pool but also from other open-water sources. Group manager Scott Ford said crews worked throughout the night to put out the blaze and would stay on site until the afternoon to remove the remaining thatch from the roof. An investigation into the cause is planned once access is safe.