Drayton Manor blaze declared ‘Accidental’ by Fire Investigators

STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service have finished investigating Tuesday night’s (15 December) fire at Drayton Manor theme park and have declared it as an accidental blaze.

Fire crews were called at 2230 GMT and four fire engines, a water carrier and an aerial ladder platform attended the blaze at a toilet block in an area of the park.

Dave Steele, Group Manager Head of the Eastern Service Delivery Group for SFRS, said:

“The fire investigation at Drayton Manor has concluded and has been confirmed as accidental. It is believed that the fire was started by an electrical fault.”

The fire, which covered an area of 30m by 10m, developed quickly due to the wooden roof construction of the building.

Fire has caused devastation at Drayton Manor with the toilet block completely destroyed. (Credit: DMP)

Flames were approximately 25m-to-30m in height at the peak of the fire.

A total of 28 fire service personnel attended the scene, with the blaze put out at approximately 0200 GMT yesterday (Wednesday 16 December).

The fire was put out after crews broke through the roof of an adjoining building and used jets to prevent the blaze from spreading.

Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of Drayton Manor Park in what has already been a very difficult season for them.

Earlier this year the park was forced to close due to flooding and they have then been forced to close due to COVID-19.

More recently, the park entered administration and faces a legal battle with the HSE over alleged health and safety failings.

The park was also recently taken over by European Theme Park operator Looping Group, whose portfolio includes West Midlands Safari Park and Pleasurewood Hills in the UK.

The acquisition of the park this year, included its 100+ rides and attractions, Europe’s only Thomas Land, a 15-acre conservation zoo and four-star hotel.

The theme park and zoo, which attracts over 1million visitors each year and was previously owned by the Bryan family, who have owned and run Drayton Manor Park since it first opened to the public in 1950.

Here at Tamworth Informed, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to all NHS Staff, Care Workers, Emergency Service Workers, Shop Staff and anyone else helping to keep us safe, healthy, fed, watered or connected to vital services during this difficult of us being in Tier 3. Please stay safe and look after each other.

On December 2 2020, Staffordshire and neighbouring county Warwickshire was placed in the VERY HIGH ALERT (Tier-3) category for COVID-19 . No mixing anywhere indoors with other households, unless part of your support bubble Up to six people can meet in outdoor public places, but not in private gardens Hospitality, such as pubs and restaurants to stay shut, apart for takeaways and drive-through services Gyms and non-essential shops to reopen Work from home if you can, avoid non-essential travel and no overnight stays outside the area

Find out more information about COVID-19 on the NHS 111 website here