Firefighters have controlled the fire at the Five Sisters zoo which broke out just before 4am this morning. Resources have been scaled back to two fire appliances and crews remain on site dealing with small pockets of fire and assisting zoo and vet staff.

The alarm was raised at 3.50am this morning to reports that the tropical house at the zoo was well alight.

Five fire appliances were mobilised to the scene and a number of specialist appliances including a turntable ladder which was used as a water tower. The water bowser was also requested from Larbert to assist with water provision. Firefighters were able to help them rescue two dwarf crocodiles and an otter, but sadly some animals have perished in the fierce fire.

Full details of the animals affected will not be available for some time until it is safe for zoo staff to access affected areas.

The tropical house were the fire broke out was well alight when crews arrived on scene. High winds made firefighting conditions more difficult but crews successfully battled to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring animal enclosures.

Fortunately the fire is now predominantly out and firefighters are checking to ensure no fire spread and help zoo staff on site to assess the damage.

No people were injured as a result of the fire.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze will now take place.

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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