Families who lost everything in Essex fire call for support

The blaze, which broke out on Thursday, April 2, gutted two semi-detached houses on Aetheric Road, leaving residents in shock and emergency services working tirelessly to secure the scene.

David Adams, 82, and Irene Adams, 72, had lived in their home for 48 years before the fire destroyed it.

Their sons, Brett, 45, and Scott, 49, described the couple as “shellshocked” as they tried to come to terms with the loss.

Scott said, “My parents are shellshocked – it’s still sinking in."

Emergency services from Braintree, Chelmsford, Coggeshall, Colchester, and Wethersfield rushed to the scene.

Firefighters battled the flames, which damaged the roof space and first floor of both properties, and worked with an aerial ladder platform to cool hotspots.

Paramedics treated Mr. and Mrs. Adams for smoke inhalation before they were taken to Broomfield Hospital as a precaution.

They were later discharged and given temporary accommodation in a Premier Inn.

The cause of the fire is believed to have started in a garden shed, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

In the wake of this tragedy, families and friends have rallied to provide support.

Brett Adams and his wife Aimee have started a fundraiser to help David and Irene rebuild their lives.

In their appeal, they write:

“We are reaching out with heavy hearts but hopeful spirits to support Dave and Irene after a devastating house fire that has completely changed their lives.
Tragically, their home was caught in a fire, and in a matter of moments, they lost everything they owned. Their belongings, memories, and the place they called home for 48 years are all gone. It’s an unimaginable situation, and one that no one is ever truly prepared for.
Despite this heartbreaking loss, Dave and Irene are staying strong and supporting each other through this incredibly difficult time. We are raising funds to help them rebuild their lives and replace the essentials they urgently need, including mobility scooters, clothing, and everyday necessities. Every donation will go directly toward helping them regain some independence, comfort, and stability.
Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page—will make a meaningful difference. Together, we can help Dave and Irene take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives.”

The fundraiser has a target of £3,000, and is urgently need for essentials to help the couple start anew.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring family also affected by the fire, Kim Shrubb, 53, and Ken Shrubb, 79, are also in need of support after losing their home.

They are being rehomed by Eastlight Housingat the minute, and their neighbour, Sonata Dambrauskiene, has started a separate fundraiser for them.

Sonata shared:

"I am reaching out with heavy heart after a devastating fire has turned my friends and her family’s lives upside down. In a matter of moments, she lost her home, her belongings, and the sense of security she once had. While they are incredibly grateful that everyone is safe, the emotional and financial impact has been overwhelming.

They are now facing the difficult task of rebuilding from nothing — replacing essentials, securing temporary housing, and beginning the long journey toward recovery. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping them get back on their feet and restore some normality to their lives.

If you are unable to give, sharing this page would mean just as much to us. Your kindness, support, and encouragement during this incredibly challenging time mean more than words can express."

Kim and Ken Shrubb echoed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us rebuild and move forward.”

Both fundraisers are aimed at helping the affected families regain stability and replace essentials lost in the fire.

Donations and shares are a crucial lifeline for these elderly couples as they begin the challenging process of rebuilding their lives.