Victim of fatal fire is named

2:06pm Wednesday 5th November 2008

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The victim of this morning's fatal fire near Ramsbury is believed to be farmer Peter Stibbard.

Firefighters are still tackling the remnants of the fire at the farmhouse where he was found dead.

Crews from Ramsbury, Marlborough, Swindon and Stratton, supported by appliances from Hungerford and Lambourn, the aerial appliance from Swindon and the control unit from Stratton, have been at the farmhouse in the hamlet of Preston, between Ramsbury and Aldbourne, since 7.43am this morning.

The fire brigade had received reports of smoke coming from the roof and flames being visible in the window.

Nine breathing apparatus wearers, two hose reel jets and a main jet have been used to fight the fire.

Mr Stibbard, 63, was found in his first floor bedroom – the family dog Patch was also found dead. It is believed that the fire started on the ground floor, and fire investigators are working with colleagues from the police scenes of crime team to establish the cause.

A fire brigade spokesman said: “Firefighters are still dealing with some pockets of fire within the building and are likely to remain at the scene for some time.”

Divisional commander Pete Townsend, who is leading the operation, said: "When we arrived the house was well alight. We have managed to contain the fire on the ground floor."

A neighbour of Mr Stibbard is TV explorer Bear Grylls, whose home is on the opposite side of the same road.