Former glamour model and animal rights campaigner Jodie Marsh has shared a devastating video tour of her Essex home after a severe fire tore through the property over the weekend, resulting in the tragic loss of two animals.
Heartbreaking scene at Fripps Farm
The fire broke out at Fripps Farm in Lindsell, near Dunmow, Essex, on Saturday at approximately 5pm. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called at 4.56pm to a property full of smoke, with the blaze located in an upstairs bedroom. The cause has been recorded as accidental, originating from an electrical item.
In emotional footage posted to her Instagram Stories, a tearful Marsh, 47, showed followers the extensive damage. The first floor of the property was severely affected, with rooms including a bedroom and bathroom completely destroyed. Visible smoke damage covered the walls, floorboards were exposed, and parts of the ceiling had caved in.
"I am broken beyond belief," Marsh told her followers, explaining that while not every room was fully torched, the rapid spread of the fire and smoke had left widespread damage. She also revealed the property was suffering from significant water damage used to fight the flames.
Tragic loss of hand-reared marmosets
While Marsh, with the help of friends Chris and Nicky, managed to evacuate twelve cats, four dogs, and another animal named Mabel, the fire claimed the lives of two baby marmosets from her sanctuary. The former reality TV star, who runs an animal rescue centre on the farm, was hand-rearing the infants after their mother died giving birth.
"The only thing I care about is that I lost two baby marmosets," she said, visibly distraught. "They meant everything to me. This [the house] is just stuff that can be replaced. The babies dying has broken me beyond belief."
Fripps Farm is home to hundreds of rescued animals, including emus, llamas, alpacas, goats, and more exotic species like marmosets, meerkats, and skunks.
Overwhelming community support
Marsh expressed being "blown away" by the immediate support from friends and the community following the fire. She recounted how people dropped everything on a Saturday night, leaving restaurants, parties, and nights out to rush to her aid, some travelling for hours.
"Everyone either turned up on the night or the next day," she said, adding that her phone had been inundated with offers of help, even from people she had only met once. A coordinated effort is now underway, with friends organising shift work to clear and sort through the damage.
Marsh also revealed she had inhaled smoke during the incident and is still processing the ordeal. Despite the devastation, she vowed, "I will get through it, I will, I will win." The 47-year-old indicated there is more information about the incident yet to be shared with the public.
