“The Fire Took My Home – Now It’s Taking My Hope”

This blog was dictated to a GATE Essex staff member by a resident of the Traveller site that was devastated by fire on Saturday 12th July 2025 in Hertfordshire. The blaze destroyed around 90% of the 15-pitch site, forcing all residents to evacuate with little or no time to collect their belongings. The words below are the resident’s own, shared to make sure their story is heard in their own voice.

---

You know when you’ve just gone numb? That’s how I felt on the day the fire came. One moment the sun was shining, the next I was watching my world go up in flames. I saw things that day I will never, ever wish to see again – and those images will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Almost the entire site where I lived was destroyed. Around ninety percent of our homes were gone in a matter of hours. Even the few pitches on the very edges that weren’t completely burned had to be evacuated. None of us could return for days to collect our belongings or vehicles – and by then, there was little left to save.

I’ve lost everything. My son, who is autistic, lost everything too – including a collection I’d been building for him since he was a child. Watching him try to cope with this devastation has been heart-breaking. My dogs, who I was told had been rescued, didn’t survive. I can’t put into words how that feels.

⸻

“It’s More Than Losing Things – It’s Losing Stability”

This isn’t just about burnt walls or lost possessions. It’s about the sudden loss of stability, comfort, and the belief that I am safe in this world. We were left with nothing but the clothes on our backs and the uncertainty of where – or if – we will ever have a home again.

I’m trying to hold onto hope, but the truth is, the fire didn’t just burn my home – it’s been burning away at my hope every day since. I need my home back, my family together again, safe and warm. Being kept in the dark, not knowing when or if that will happen, is almost unbearable.

⸻

“We’re Not Just Survivors – We’re Fighters”

Since the fire, GaTEssex has been at our side. They’ve been on the site with us, listening, challenging the council for action, and making sure our voices are heard. Many of the people here – my neighbours, my friends – can’t read or write, and struggle to put their feelings into words the way the council understands. Without GaTEssex stepping in, much of what we need would never have been asked for, and much of what we’ve already received would never have been offered.

They’ve given us moral support when the weight of it all feels too much, and practical support to help us navigate the endless phone calls, forms, and meetings. They’ve been pushing for answers when we’ve been left with nothing but questions.

⸻

“Help Us Go Home”

This is not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about restoring the heart of our lives. It’s about giving us back our stability, our dignity, and the chance to rebuild before the hope inside us is completely gone.

We have already been through so much. We’re not asking for luxuries – just the basic right to have our homes back and to feel safe again. Please, stand with us, listen to us, and help us go home.