Two Fatal House Fires Near Stroud Confirmed as Unrelated by Fire Officer

Two recent fatal house fires near Stroud, occurring just weeks and a few miles apart, have been confirmed as unrelated by emergency services. The first tragedy struck on Boxing Day in Brimscombe, where Nu Shearman, 38, and her two young children, seven-year-old Eve and four-year-old Ohner, lost their lives. Just two weeks later, a second fatal fire took the life of a man in Chalford.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the Chalford fire at a property on Cirencester Road on Monday, January 12, around 10:20 pm. Firefighters discovered the body of a man inside the home. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nathaniel Hooton told GloucestershireLive that despite the proximity in time and location, the two incidents are “categorically” not linked.

The investigation into the Chalford fire remains ongoing, with fire investigators collaborating closely with police. Though firefighting efforts have been scaled back at the scene, emergency services remain present.

The property suffered significant damage from the fire, smoke, and heat, while a neighboring home experienced minor damage. Approximately 20 homes temporarily lost power due to a damaged power line, but electricity has since been fully restored. Only one person was believed to be inside the house during the fire, and a neighboring property was evacuated as a precaution.

Nathaniel emphasized the efforts made by emergency services to mitigate risks to the public and provide reassurance to the local community. He expressed heartfelt sympathies for those affected by both tragedies and reiterated the fire service’s commitment to prevention, education, and support.

“Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with everyone impacted—from individuals to the wider community and the emergency services,” Nathaniel said. “We remain dedicated to keeping the communities of Gloucestershire safe and ask for the public’s help in this mission.”