Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to a cottage fire in Church Lane, Ripple near Deal. All occupants of the property were accounted for and there were no reported injuries. Around 45 firefighters were sent to the thatched property. On arrival they found smoke issuing from windows and doors of the thatched property. Crews entered wearing breathing apparatus and quickly extinguished a fire in the basement. They also checked through the property's walls for potential fire spread. The cause of the fire isn't known at this stage.Firefighters are urging anyone with a thatched cottage to visit our fire safety information about how to protect thatched cottages - search Kent Fire and Rescue Service Thatch online.