Byfleet storage depot fire sees 24 items salvaged

The blaze broke out at the storage units in Byfleet on 18 May

Just 24 items and a small number of photographs were retrieved from a storage depot in Byfleet after a fire, the company that owned the site says.

Access Self Storage said it salvaged items when the building was demolished after the fire in May.

The company said any goods recovered were securely stored and work would begin to return items to their owners.

Surrey Fire and Rescue said it was nearing the end of an investigation and would report to the firm in due course.

Amanda Boote, who had a unit at the site in Oyster Lane, said: "The emotional damage and the loss that's been caused by this fire is insurmountable and we still don't have any answers.

"From 480 unit holders - and they're large units - we've got 24 items that we've been offered for salvage."

She said she had stored her great grandparents' antiques that were irreplaceable, lots of personal items that she had treasured, and she said her partner, who had put the contents of his flat into storage, had lost everything.

A spokesman for Access Self Storage said: "Due to the extent and severity of the fire, only 24 items (plus a small number of loose photographs) were recovered.

"We have recently received permission from our insurers to attempt to reunite the salvaged items with their owners. This process is ongoing. All customers have been notified that they can view pictures of the items before claiming ownership."

The company said it was understood that most insurance claims have either been settled or settlement offers made.

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