A fire at a block of flats on Marigold Street in Frome, Somerset, has left residents displaced and one woman struggling with the aftermath of choking smoke and uncertainty about her home. Chloe Raeburn, 25, was forced to evacuate her flat along with eight other residents after a blaze destroyed the roof of a flat in the building on Wednesday, December 3.
Chloe was visiting a neighbour when the building’s fire alarms went off. Initially, they thought it was a minor cooking accident, but smoke and flames quickly became visible. The two called emergency services, who responded with three to five fire engines and multiple emergency teams. It took firefighters nearly 45 minutes to extinguish the fire, with smoke lingering for hours afterward.
Emergency responders, including ambulances, paramedics, police, and Selwood Housing representatives, ensured the safety and temporary accommodation of the affected residents. Selwood Housing, which owns the building on Edmund Park Estate, confirmed that they are assisting those impacted and assessing the damage. Chloe, still awaiting updates from the housing association, has been staying at various locations, including The George Hotel in Frome, which generously offered shelter to displaced residents.
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The fire caused smoke to spread rapidly across the entire floor where the affected flat was located. Chloe attempted to retrieve belongings from her home but was overwhelmed by the smoke, which caused choking and nausea. The experience has taken both an emotional and physical toll on her, compounded by the lack of medical evaluation so far.
The emotional impact is profound for Chloe, a photographer who cherishes personal mementos lost in the fire, including irreplaceable photos of her late mother. “I’ve broken down several times when I’m alone because I don’t want others to see me like that,” Chloe shared. “Losing those memories is heartbreaking, especially with Christmas approaching.”
While the flats directly involved in the fire were contained, the extent of damage to Chloe’s flat remains unclear. She expresses hope that the fire and smoke did not destroy her belongings but acknowledges the road to recovery will be long for all affected.
The fire was confirmed by both the fire service and Selwood Housing to have been accidental, caused by a candle left in use at the time. Structural engineers and loss adjusters have conducted assessments on the property, with efforts ongoing to support displaced residents and determine when they can safely return.
Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue reported one individual was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The flat where the fire started was completely destroyed by fire, smoke, and water damage, while the flat below suffered 50% damage due to heat and water.
Selwood Housing’s group operations director, Verena Buchanan, stated: “We remain in close contact with residents and partners as we evaluate the damage and plan next steps to help the community recover from this traumatic event.”
As Christmas nears, Chloe and her neighbors face an uncertain future, united in the hope that they will rebuild and heal together.