Little Treasures Autism Charity is asking for community support after a fire on 19 February 2026 destroyed its storage units in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. The charity, which helps over 2,500 local families living with autism, lost its entire stock of equipment and supplies in the blaze.
The fire broke out at the R M H Vehicle Services building, which houses Bishop Self Storage, in the Tindale Retail Park. Fire crews confirmed that no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is not being treated as suspicious.
Volunteers say the loss includes vital items like sensory equipment, toys, Lego, and tombola prizes used for regional support groups. Many of these items were bought by the volunteers themselves to create inclusive spaces for children who struggle with traditional social environments.
Charity volunteer Clair Black explained that the fire will cause an 18-month delay to expansion plans. Three new support hubs that were meant to open this year have been cancelled, with no new groups expected until at least the middle of 2027.
Despite the damage, the charity still plans to celebrate its tenth anniversary in August 2026. The group has launched an appeal to replace the lost items and ensure it can continue providing its existing services to the community.
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