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Drusillas Park zoo evacuated amid Sussex grass fire Drusillas Park zoo evacuated amid Sussex grass fire
(about 4 hours later)
Hundreds of people were evacuated from a zoo because of a grass fire on nearby farmland.Hundreds of people were evacuated from a zoo because of a grass fire on nearby farmland.
Drusillas Park in Sussex said evacuation procedures were put in place and animals were shut away as the fire approached.Drusillas Park in Sussex said evacuation procedures were put in place and animals were shut away as the fire approached.
A spokeswoman said about 1,500 people had been safely moved out of the zoo and there were no injuries.A spokeswoman said about 1,500 people had been safely moved out of the zoo and there were no injuries.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said crews were on the scene and urged people to avoid the area. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) sent six fire engines to the site at 15:00 BST.
The zoo spokeswoman confirmed there was no damage to the zoo and "all the animals were safe and well". By 20:00 the crews had quashed the flames and left the area.
Crop damage The zoo spokeswoman confirmed there was no damage to the park and "all the animals were safe and well".
Drusillas Park plans to reopen as usual on Thursday, the spokesman added. Farmer Paul Lewis, from Berwick Court Farm near Berwick and Alfriston, said about 45 acres of crops and straw had been lost as well as a £60,000 tractor.
Six fire engines were sent to the scene at Berwick Court Farm near Berwick and Alfriston just before 15:00 BST. He said: "It's been pretty nervous and frightening to be honest. We think the fire was caused by hot machinery, a flint and an accidental spark.
Farmer Paul Lewis, from the farm, said about 20 acres of crops had been lost as well as a £60,000 tractor. "I didn't want my machinery to go up in flames obviously, and I've spent nine months getting my crops to this stage, so to see it just go up in smoke is a complete crying waste."
Motorists have been warned to take extra care because of smoke and people living nearby have been urged to keep doors and windows closed. ESFRS area manager Mark Mathews said: "If people are using barbecues of glasses and glass bottles we ask them to be additionally vigilant, the risks are real.
The fire service has urged people not to pull over to take pictures or videos. "There were a whole range of things put at risk today and fortunately nobody was injured, but as we've seen elsewhere in the world that can be a very different story."
Drusillas Park plans to reopen as usual on Thursday, the zoo spokesman added.