A NEW Forest home was left badly damaged after a fire broke out in the roof.

But fire chiefs say "quick and decisive action" prevented the blaze from turning into a more serious incident.

More than 30 firefighters were rushed to a home in Portmore after reports of a fire in the roof.

Eight crews from across the area were dispatched to the detached property in Main Road shortly before 1.30pm yesterday.

Teams from Lymington, Beaulieu, Brokenhurst, Burley, New Milton, Hardley, Hythe and Eastleigh attended, alongside four special appliance vehicles.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said the fire was extinguished at 2.45pm.

According to the spokesperson, the property suffered smoke and water damage, while 25 per cent of the roof was damaged by fire.

Crews used six breathing apparatus, two hose reels and two jets in the operation.

Commenting on the incident, Paul Reddish, station commander of six fire stations in the New Forest, said on Twitter: "Immensely proud of the New Forest team today. Fast, decisive early action prevented a much more serious incident."

The fire service say South Central Ambulance Service and Hampshire Constabulary were informed of the incident, but did not attend the scene.

Crews left the area at 3.23pm.