An investigation has been launched to pinpoint the cause of a blaze that saw a thatched house stripped of its roof.

Firefighters were called to Gables Farm, in Back Lane, Martham, at around 11.30am on Thursday (April 29).

Eastern Daily Press: A thatched house in Martham was the focus of a huge effort to tackle a fire in its roof.A thatched house in Martham was the focus of a huge effort to tackle a fire in its roof. (Image: Liz Coates)

At the height of the blaze some 65 firefighters were working to stop the fire spreading to other parts of the roof, and salvaging everything that was inside.

The incident was closed at 11am the following day, after a 24 hour operation that saw roads closed and locals pulling together to load the home-owner's possessions onto a trailer.

Eastern Daily Press: Sodden thatch piled up outside a Grade II listed thatched house which suffered a fire.Sodden thatch piled up outside a Grade II listed thatched house which suffered a fire. (Image: Liz Coates)

Pictures taken in the aftermath of the fire show the extent of the damage to the Grade II listed building which dates from the mid 18th century.

At the time of the fire people at the scene expressed their sadness.

The house was being used as a holiday let and was hosting guests who escaped unhurt, the owner confirmed at the scene.

He also said the house had previously suffered a fire in around 1991.

Eastern Daily Press: A thatched roof was engulfed by fire triggering a fire service operation involving some 65 crew.A thatched roof was engulfed by fire triggering a fire service operation involving some 65 crew. (Image: Liz Coates)

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the stop message came in at 9.19pm on Thursday night at which point it became a watching brief.

Officers were then on site and checked at regular intervals for hotspots or smoke.

Eastern Daily Press: A thatched house in Martham has been badly damaged following a fire.A thatched house in Martham has been badly damaged following a fire. (Image: Liz Coates)

At 11.10am on Friday (April 30) when a final check was made and the incident was closed. The spokesman confirmed an investigation had been launched.

Meanwhile the smell of smoke still hangs heavy in the air, with remnants of sodden thatch strewn around the road.

Eastern Daily Press: Locals collect furniture and belongings out of the thatch house fire at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLocals collect furniture and belongings out of the thatch house fire at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Eastern Daily Press: Fire fighters at the scene of the fire of a thatched house at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFire fighters at the scene of the fire of a thatched house at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Eastern Daily Press: Fire fighters at the scene of the fire of a thatched house at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFire fighters at the scene of the fire of a thatched house at Martham. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)