A FIRE that devastated a family home weeks before Christmas has brought villagers closer, residents said.

Dozens of firefighters from across the county tackled the blaze in Hodson, south of Swindon, on Thursday.

The fire, which started at around 7am, tore through the house’s thatched roof. Firefighters stopped fire from spreading to an adjoining cottage.

Hodson pub the Calley Arms kept the firefighters fed with soup and bacon and sausage baps. Others provided tea and mince pies.

Several days on from the fire a heavy smell of smoke still lingers around the cottage.

Hodson residents said that the fire had brought an already tight-knit community closer.

Sam Dobson learnt that his family home was on fire from his aunt. The 26-year-old still lives within sight of his childhood home.

“I was just getting ready for work,” said Sam. “I went upstairs to get my coat. My phone was ringing – it was my aunt.”

She told him to come down to his parents’ house – where a fire had broken out in the thatch.

“I ran down to the road. Just to see it…” he broke off. “You can’t describe it.

“At first I was numb. It just felt like a bad dream.”

He said that the fire had had a strong affect on the community: “It’s really brought us together. It’s amazing the support we’ve had.”

Peter Kidd, 49, lives beside the fire-hit cottage. His home was saved after firefighters battled to install a fire break.

He initially reported the fire, after spotting it while walking his dog in the garden.

“People have said to me, ‘what were you thinking?’”

But Peter cannot remember: “The day’s a bit of a blur.”

He added of the fire: “It’s brought us together.”

Jason Hillier, landlord at nearby Calley Arms, cooked trayfuls of bacon rolls and sausage baps for firefighters working on the blaze.

But, with the Christmas rush, Jason was not able to get out of the kitchen to deliver the meals himself.

He said: “The community here is very good.”

Kathy Collis, group manager with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), praised the community for its support.

She said: “On such a bitterly cold morning, to have hot drinks, mince pies and other refreshments provided by neighbours and the local pub, the Calley Arms, was incredibly welcome, as was the food provided by the Plymouth Brethren.”

A British Red Cross emergency response team, based at Swindon’s Drove Road fire station, also attended the fire.

The free service offers support to those affected by fires – from helping with contacting insurers to finding people a place to stay.

Jo Riches, emergency response officer, said: “Thatch fires can be long and messy. One minute they can look like the fire’s almost out and the next minute it’s a roaring inferno.”

The majority of thatch fires the Red Cross are called to will be in rural areas, Jo said: “Communities are often very close. They help each other out. It won’t surprise me if, when you arrive, accommodation has already been set up for people.”

DWFRS said the Hodson fire started accidentally, but the exact cause was not yet known.