Hundreds of families have been evacuated from a zoo after a fire threatened to destroy the park.
About 1,500 people, including young children, were evacuated as dozens of firefighters battled the blaze at Drusillas Park, a 10-acre property, near Alfriston in East Sussex.
People living in the nearby villages of Alfriston and Berwick were warned to keep doors and windows closed because of the blaze at Berwick Court Farm, near the A27.
Drusillas Park is popular family venue aimed at young children and attracts more than 350,000 visitors every year, and is also home to the first Hello Kitty themed attraction in Europe.
‘We are happy to say we safely evacuated all visitors and no damage has occurred to the park. All of our animals are safe and well. The park will be open as usual tomorrow,’ a park spokesman said.
The zoo cares for both wild and domestic animals, including ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats, and penguins.
Staff said all visitors – including many young families enjoying the start of the school summer holiday – were evacuated, and no damage occurred to the park.
There were no reports of casualties and all the animals were also reported to be ‘safe and well.’
The fierce blaze rips through bone dry fields as it threatens Drusillas Park, East Sussex
The fire has been contained but a tractor worth £60,000 and 58 acres of barley, wheat and straw were destroyed.
A fire brigade spokesman said the blaze was believed to have been put out at about 6pm, and that damping down operations continuing.
A Drusillas Zoo spokeman said: ‘Thank you all for your concern regarding the fire that broke out in the field opposite us this afternoon.
Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle the fierce fire that threatened to spread to the zoo
People living Alfriston and Berwick villages were warned to keep doors and windows closed because of the blaze at Berwick Court Farm
‘We are happy to say we safely evacuated all visitors and no damage has occurred to the park. All of our animals are safe and well. The park will be open as usual tomorrow.’
Eyewitnesses said traffic on the A27 heading towards Eastbourne was queuing back to the Amex Stadium at Falmer.
A Fire Brigade spokesman said: ‘East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene of a serious fire at a farm near the Drusilla’s roundabout on the A27.
Flames lick the horizon and threatens to advance on the 10-acre Drusillas Park, which is home to Europe’s first Hello Kitty attraction
A water carrier is brought into help fight the fire. Zoo staff said all visitors – including many young families enjoying the start of the school summer holiday – were evacuated safely
A Fire Brigade spokesman said: ‘As of 5.40pm, six fire engines are at the scene, with four Land Rovers, one water bowser and a Support Command Unit’
‘The initial call came in at 2.54pm following reports of a field fire at Berwick Court Farm.
‘As of 5.40pm, six fire engines are at the scene, with four Land Rovers, one water bowser and a Support Command Unit.
‘Firefighters are working hard in difficult conditions.
‘Traffic on the A27 is badly affected and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.
‘Firefighters are working hard in difficult conditions. Traffic on the A27 is badly affected and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes,’ the spokesman said
The fire has been contained but a tractor worth £60,000 and 58 acres of barley, wheat and straw were destroyed
As the fire raged, zoo staff evacuated families, villagers locked their doors and traffic built up on the nearby A27
‘Locals are being asked to keep doors and windows closed to help avoid the smoke.
‘The Service is liaising with local businesses and residents. There are no reports of injuries.
‘The incident is likely to take some time to bring to a conclusion and we thank people for their patience.’
The fire brigade is staying on the scene to reinspect the area and ensure there are no remaining hotspots.
There were no reports of casualties and all the animals were also reported to be ‘safe and well’
‘We are happy to say we safely evacuated all visitors and no damage has occurred to the park,’ a park spokesman said
The blaze has been extinguished but damping down operations continuing