Traveller site almost completely destroyed by blaze - claims council chiefs warned about safety fears 16 months ago

A TRAVELLER site was almost completely destroyed after a blaze ripped through it.

Occupants of the Ver Meadows caravan site, near Redbourn, Hertfordshire, are coming to terms with the loss after the blaze destroyed most of the 15 homes.

The fire broke out just after 3pm on Saturday with eight fire engines on the scene to bring it under control.

The nearby A5183 was temporarily closed in both directions due to the smoke.

Now serious questions are being raised

Claire Rice, Project Coordinator, for traveller group GaTEssex, wrote in the Traveller Times: "With reports indicating that around 90 percent of the site has been destroyed, the scale of loss is unimaginable. Homes, possessions, memories — all gone. It is a miracle that no one was seriously injured or killed, but that should not distract from the truth: this tragedy was preventable.

"In March 2024, Travellers’ Times commissioned an independent report by electrical safety specialist Ben Pearson TMIET, which was delivered to Hertfordshire County Council and made public that August. The report raised urgent concerns about unsafe electrical infrastructure, inadequate metering systems, and — critically — a lack of basic fire safety provisions.

"Be Pearson’s report explicitly called for regular fire risk assessments, as required under law, and flagged the absence of interlinked fire alarms and other essential precautions. These are not minor administrative oversights. These are life-and-death matters."

Tony Finn, wo posted on social media on behalf of site residents, said: “Thank you all for your kind offers and support for those affected by today’s devastating fire.

“Everybody was safely evacuated but 90 per cent of their homes have been lost to the fire. Those affected have all been safely placed in hotels for the weekend. Donations of clothes and bedding are no longer needed.

“It is now proposed that a JustGiving page will be set up through and coordinated by Redbourn Parish Council and anything needed by the families be purchased and managed through the RPC. (This ascertains that items go to those in genuine need).

“Full details will be published after the RPC has been consulted for approval, possibly Monday. The families affected have asked that their thanks be passed on to the whole village, whose response has been overwhelming – including those from Hemel, Harpenden and St Albans who have made offers. Thank you all.”

Herts Fire and Rescue have said a full investigation will take place into the cause.

Scott Crudgington, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources at Hertfordsire Cout Council, said: “I would like start to by saying how deeply saddened I was to learn of the devastating fire at the Ver Meadow Caravan Park in Redbourn yesterday (July 12). My thoughts are with the families and individuals affected at this extremely tough time.

“The fire was fully extinguished by 10.30pm last night and I would like to pay tribute to our excellent Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their tireless work to put out the blaze, amid extremely hot temperatures.

“I would also like to reassure those affected that we at Hertfordshire County Council, alongside our partners at St Albans District Council, stand by you and will be supporting you.

“Since the fire, a range of organisations including St Albans District Council and Hertfordshire County Council have been working with those affected to ensure they are temporarily rehoused and their needs are met. We will continue to help them as they begin the gradual process of rebuilding their lives.”

Gypsy And Traveller Empowerment Hertfordshire (GATE Herts) also warned urgent fire safety actions is needed at other travellers sites.

A statement said: "We are deeply concerned by the devastating fire that broke out at the Redbourn traveller site, leaving several families without homes and possessions. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.

“Fires on gypsy/traveller sites are particularly dangerous due to the close proximity of caravans, the widespread use of gas cylinders, and the absence of clear and consistent fire safety regulations. These conditions significantly increase the risk of injury, extensive property damage, and loss of life.

“It is unacceptable that gypsy and traveller communities continue to live in unsafe conditions. We call on local authorities, fire services, and the Government to take immediate, coordinated action to prevent further tragedies.”

Hertfordshire County Council and the fire service have been contacted for comment.