Former glamour model and reality television star Jodie Marsh has been left heartbroken after a fire at her Essex animal sanctuary claimed the lives of two animals.
Details of the Devastating Blaze
Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called to Fripps Farm in Lindsell, near Dunmow, at 4.56pm on Saturday, 11 January 2026. Upon arrival, they found the property filled with smoke and discovered a fire in an upstairs bedroom. Crews worked swiftly to extinguish the flames and prevent them from spreading further.
The fire resulted in the tragic deaths of two marmosets, small monkeys native to South America. The blaze has been officially recorded as accidental, with the cause attributed to an electrical item.
Life at Fripps Farm Animal Sanctuary
Jodie Marsh's sanctuary is a five-acre site situated in the Essex countryside, close to the historic market town of Saffron Walden. The farm is home to hundreds of animals, many of which Marsh states are rescues. The diverse collection includes:
- Emus, llamas, alpacas, and deer
- Goats, sheep, cows, and pigs
- Peacocks, chickens, geese, and ducks
- Enclosures for foxes, meerkats, skunks, and wolf-dogs
- A large cage for marmosets and spaces for snakes
The 47-year-old has undergone a dramatic life transformation to run the sanctuary, which she alleges costs £25,000 per month to maintain. This covers the salaries of two full-time and five part-time employees, plus animal care expenses. She is supported by a team of 15 volunteers.
Controversy and Ongoing Challenges
Marsh discloses that some of the sanctuary's running costs are offset through social media and the OnlyFans platform. However, the farm has not been without controversy.
Campaigners have previously accused Marsh of animal cruelty, mistreatment, and providing substandard living conditions. Detractors also allege that she purchases many of her animals, using the 'rescue' narrative as a pretext to keep exotic pets that would typically be prohibited in the UK. Jodie Marsh firmly refutes all these allegations.
The accidental fire on Saturday represents a new, tragic chapter for the sanctuary, leaving its owner devastated by the loss of two of its smallest residents.
