Fire crews from across north Suffolk and south Norfolk have been called to tackle a major fire in Wortham, near Diss.

Eastern Daily Press: Initially seven fire engines were called to the scene. Picture: SIMON PARKINInitially seven fire engines were called to the scene. Picture: SIMON PARKIN (Image: Archant)

Emergency services were called at shortly before 5pm to the fire at a two-story detached property on Magpie Green in the village, off the A143 between Palgrave and Botesdale.

A wood burning stove in part of the property is believed to have caused the blaze which spread to the roof. The home, called Grove Farm Barn, is in an isolated rural location between villages.

Eastern Daily Press: Initially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon ParkinInitially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Crews from Diss and East Harling in Norfolk were called to the scene together with Suffolk firefighters from Eye, Bury St Edmunds and Ixworth to tackle the blaze.

They were joined by further reinforcements with fire appliances from Harleston and Long Stratton.

Eastern Daily Press: Initially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon ParkinInitially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

The fire has now been contained to the roof of the property and fire fighters are currently at the scene making sure that the house is safe.

Ladders are being use so that crews can access the roof of the building which has been blackened by the fire.

Eastern Daily Press: Initially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon ParkinInitially seven fire engines were called to the blaze at a property at Wortham, nesr Diss. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Suffolk police are also in attendance to control traffic on the road outside the house.

Conrad Burgess, station commander with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'This could have been a lot worse. That is wasn't is mainly down to the excellent work of the crews that were first on the scene.

'The homeowner was on his way home when the fire broke out, but there were four people at home in the property at the time. Thankfully they were safely out before we got to the scene.

'The rear part of the property has a wood burner and the heat from the flue had ignited material in the roof space. We stripped tiles from off the roof to gain access to the roof space and the fire itself. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel. The damage isn't as bad as it could have been.'