Two reindeer rescued after 'large' blaze in Santa's grotto at Chessington World of Adventures (but firefighters assure the public they will be fine for Christmas Eve)
- Blaze broke out at Creaky Cafe in Chessington World of Adventures
- Eight fire crews were sent to popular Surrey theme park at 8.40am
- Resort forced to close, but 'no reported injuries' to people or animals
Firefighters have rescued two reindeer after a 'huge' blaze broke out at a cafe being used as a Santa's grotto at a popular theme park.
Eight crews were sent to Creaky Cafe in Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey, which is situated next to several animal enclosures.
They were alerted to the fire at 8.40am - just an hour and 20 minutes before thousands of families would have descended on the popular resort.
Scene: Firefighters are tackling a blaze that has broken out at Creaky Cafe in Chessington World of Adventures
Response: Eight fire crews have been sent to the cafe, which is situated next to several animal enclosures
Alert: The emergency services were alerted to the fire at 8.40am - just an hour and 20 minutes before thousands of families would have descended on the popular resort
However, there are no reports of any injuries to either people or animals.
London Fire Brigade Station Manager Craig Carter, who was at the scene, said: 'The fire damaged a large part of a restaurant within the park, and crews worked very hard to bring it under control.
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'There were a lot of flames and the area was quite smoky when we arrived, but thankfully no one was hurt. Two reindeer were evacuated and moved to a safe area, but park officials tell me they will still be ready for Christmas Eve next week.
'We're worked closely with our partners at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service along with the police and ambulance services to ensure the incident was brought safely under control.'
Festive attraction: Creaky Cafe is being used as a Santa's grotto at the resort over the Christmas period
Proximity: It is situated near areas where several animals, including sea lions and lions, are being kept
Tweet: The London Fire Brigade has reassured Twitter users that there are no reported injuries to animals
Shut down: In a message to its followers on Twitter, the theme park said it has been forced to close
The cafe - situated near the areas where the sea lions and lions are being kept - was being used as a Santa's grotto, according to The Mirror.
In a message to its followers on Twitter, the theme park said it has been forced to close.
'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chessington will be closed today,' it said. 'Tickets for today will be revalidated. Further updates will follow.'
A spokesman added: 'Well-practised emergency procedures were immediately put into operation and the emergency services were called and several fire engines were on site within minutes.
'The theme park and zoo were closed at the time of this incident and, therefore, no guests were involved.
Popular: The resort is a family attraction comprising theme park rides, a zoo and a sea life centre and a hotel
Attractions: Its rides section has closed for the winter, but its zoo and Santa's grotto were due to open today
'All staff areas were immediately evacuated and all staff and animals are safe and well.'
'The health and safety of our guests, staff and animals is our primary objective and Chessington World of Adventures' management team, in conjunction with the fire service, are investigating the cause of the incident.
'The theme park and zoo will remain closed today.'
The Metropolitan Police has advised drivers to avoid Leatherhead Road in Chessington.
A spokesman said: 'There are some road closures in place to ensure people are kept a safe distance away.'
Chessington World of Adventures is a family attraction comprising theme park rides, a zoo, a sea life centre and a hotel.
Although its rides section has closed for the winter, its zoo and Santa's grotto were due to open today - with children invited to meet Father Christmas and his helpers.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.
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