Community pulls together after huge fire in Baldock

Local farmers, businesses, councils, politicians and members of the public have been showing their support for the businesses and livelihoods that have been destroyed as a result of the inferno.

Event today for affected businesses

Businesses affected by the fire are invited to an event today (Thursday, July 13) from 2pm until 3.30pm in the large hall at Baldock Community Centre.

A range of organisations will be present to answers questions from business owners and to offer them support and advice.

The event has been organised by Hertfordshire County Council, North Herts Council, and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, with the leaders of each organisation encouraging business owners to attend.

Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We are deeply saddened by the huge damage to many local businesses as a result of the fire in Baldock.

"We’re here to listen to business owners so that we can provide them with the best support in the coming days and weeks.

READ MORE: Baldock businesses react to industrial estate fire

"If you’ve been affected, please join us at Thursday’s event where information about the incident and advice to businesses will be available from a number of organisations."

Adrian Hawkins, chair of the LEP, thanked the emergency services and said they are "working hard to provide support".

"We were saddened to hear about the impact on businesses following the incident at the industrial estate off London Road and we are doing all we can to mitigate the human cost and minimise the disruption to all those owners and those who worked within the units."

Support for businesses

Several local businesses are themselves offering to support those affected by the fire.

Simon Efford, director of Leysbrook estate agency in Letchworth, says he will do all he possibly can to provide support.

He can help with providing temporary office space, use of computers and printers, and other staff support.

Simon is also part of the BNI Letchworth business network, and can use that network to try to connect the affected businesses with people who can help them.

Simon told the Comet: "We've got a huge network, and have already had messages come in from people locally with empty office and shop space.

"I'm also the chairman of Letchworth Garden City Eagles, and we have a car park and clubhouse there that isn't used much during weekday daytimes and could be helpful.

READ MORE: Baldock industrial fire: what did residents see and hear?

"The community spirit of Baldock is very important. When things like this happen, you want to see communities coming together to do what they can to help."

Simon can be contacted on 07774 259065, or via Leysbrook estate agents on 01462 419329.

Meanwhile, Graham Hilton Cars in Little Wymondley and Wilbury Bodyshop in Hitchin have offered to provide temporary work for those employed by the car-related businesses damaged in the fire.

Graham Hilton Cars expressed their "deep sorrow" for the incident and invited any vehicle technicians who would like temporary work "to help tide you over" to call them on 07860 366021.

Multiple car-related businesses were destroyed during the fire. (Image: Glen Wallace)

Wilbury Bodyshop described the fire as "devastating" and said their "thoughts are with all those personally affected". They can provide positions for vehicle technicians and MOT testers, with more information available by calling 01462 422833.

There have also been efforts to fundraise for some of the businesses damaged in the blaze.

One of these campaigns is for Marsh Detailing and Buggy Bath Ltd - two of the companies affected by the fire, and both owned by Emily and Ben Marsh. You can find out how to donate here.

Efforts to extinguish the fire

Community support began even while the fire was still blazing. On Tuesday night, farmers across Baldock and North Hertfordshire arrived at the scene with tankers to provide water for the fire service.

Jon Crosse, manager of Lower Heath Farm, was one of the farmers who joined the assistance efforts.

He told the Comet: "A message came through on our WhatsApp group to say that the fire service wanted water, and thankfully we were able to help - we've got a 15,000 litre tanker so we went down there.

READ MORE: In picture: Fire tears through Baldock industrial estate

"We’re quite lucky as local farmers, we do have a lot of water so we can get it there quickly. They didn’t have enough water and we could get them plenty of it.

"We were so impressed by the fire brigade - how helpful they are and how they get on with it."

Politicians react

A number of local politicians have been reacting to the fire.

Sir Oliver Heald, the MP for North East Hertfordshire, said that he had been "horrified" to hear about the incident, and thanked the emergency services and nearby farmers for "their hard work and professionalism" in dealing with it.

The aftermath of the fire in Baldock industrial estate. (Image: Gareth Loader)

Sir Oliver is calling on North Herts Council "to do what it can to help businesses recover" and adds: "We will now have to see what can be done to help Baldock recover."

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis, the leader of North Herts Council, talked of the "wonderful response" from the emergency services and said that her "thoughts are with all those businesses and people affected".

She is encouraging people to attend today's event at Baldock Community Centre, and said "we will do everything we can to help the Baldock industrial estate community".

Cllr Alistair Willoughby, who represents Baldock Town ward, said: "My thoughts go out to all those affected by the fire on the industrial estate; the businesses, staff, and residents.

"I want to express my huge gratitude to the incredibly brave police and firefighters keeping us safe. I know that many of us will want to give thanks to all of them risking their lives to deal with the blaze.

"I will do all that I can to assist the businesses and staff who have lost their work, and I know that our community will come together to support those now in need."