Chester Zoo to reopen after huge Monsoon Forest fire

The zoo said fire crews have controlled the blaze and staff confirmed all mammals have been accounted for.

One eyewitness, David Clough, said high winds fanned the flames in the inflatable roof of the building, adding: "We were very worried for the people and animals that would have been in the building."

The zoo said in a statement: “Many of you have expressed that you would like to come along to the zoo to show your support, so we are able to confirm that the zoo will be open to visitors on Sunday 16 December. 

“The Monsoon Forest building and Islands zone will remain closed as our conservationists and vets continue to provide expert care and attention for the species there.

“The Lanterns event will go ahead on Sunday 16 December as planned.

“We can confirm that the fire service are still in attendance at our Monsoon Forest habitat after today’s fire.

“The fire has now been extinguished, but fire fighters will remain on site throughout the night alongside the zoo’s experts.

“Visitors were evacuated immediately and the zoo’s response team worked alongside the emergency services to help bring the situation under control.

“The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but we will be helping the relevant authorities with the investigation that will take place over the coming days and weeks.

“The zoo’s teams are now assessing the situation inside Monsoon Forest.

“Critically endangered Sumatran orangutans and other mammals are all accounted for and being looked after by the zoo specialist conservationists and vets.

“We are working hard to account for all other species, such as birds, and move animals to alternative habitats.

“Given that this is the UK’s largest zoo tropical house this will take some time.

“The zoo’s experts will be working intensively in the coming days and weeks to do this.

“The zoo would like the thank the emergency services for their swift response.

“Thank you also to the many, many messages of public support. 

“Please refer to our website and social media pages for accurate information.

“We will update you with more information as soon as we have it.”

Mr Clough, 50, who lives across the road from the zoo, said: "We first saw signs of the fire shortly after 11.30am on Saturday, December 15.

"The Monsoon Forest building in the zoo's new Islands development was on fire.

"It has an inflatable roof that was burning. Lots of flames and smoke."

He added: "Orangutans and gibbons are our nearest neighbours there, but there are many other animals, including free-flying birds.

"It was spreading across the roof in strong winds for a while.

"Lots of fire engines arrived quickly.

"By about 30 mins ago the main flames had gone, but there's a smaller fire still burning at the southern end of the roof."

A zoo visitor who declined to be named told the Press Association: "We were in the Monsoon enclosure when it happened and were rushed out due to an electrical fire. It spread very quickly.

"The staff ensured all the members of the public were safe. Many staff (were) running towards the fire, (I'm) assuming to help with evacuating animals.

"The entire zoo is closed - a shame as we've travelled up from Plymouth."

One person has been treated for smoke inhalation after the Chester Zoo fire.

A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said it was called to the scene at 11.42am on Saturday.

"We had two rapid response vehicles and one ambulance on the scene, all of which cleared as there were no patients," she said.

"There is one patient with smoke inhalation. We've got an officer on the scene."

No further details were provided about their condition.

A spokesman from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are currently dealing with a large fire at Chester Zoo.

"Crews – wearing breathing apparatus and using main jets - are currently tackling the blaze in a building on the site, which is 100m by 25m.

"The fire was reported at 11.28am and there are currently 15 fire appliances in attendance at the scene.

"The zoo has been evacuated and there are no reports of any injuries at this time.

"Drivers are advised to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue to work at the scene.

"We will provide further updates when we can."

Cheshire Police say they are now working with staff at the zoo and is reassuring people that there is 'no risk' to public safety.

Detective superintendent Pete Shaw said:  “Emergency services remain at the scene and we are continuing to work alongside staff at the zoo.

“I would like to reassure people that there is no risk to public safety as a result of this incident.

“Every effort has been made to minimise disruption in the local area and I would also like to thank members of the public for their co-operation and understanding.

“I would also like to thank staff at the zoo for their swift response and for all of their help and assistance in bringing this situation under control.”