Animals die in blaze at soft play centre

Animals housed in a jungle-themed soft play centre have died in a large blaze.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford, at about 03:20 BST.

The fire service said a number of small animals were inside the building at the time and "none survived".

The soft play centre, which opened in June last year, recently opened an exotic pets area that was home to meerkats, snakes, tortoises, iguanas, owls and genets, according to posts on social media.

Ten engines and an aerial ladder platform were at the scene at the height of the blaze.

An investigation into what caused it was under way, said the fire service.

Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook said: "Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units.

"I'd like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work, and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

"Sadly, we can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive."

Large plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the scene, with residents advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Road closures were put in place on Aspenden Road and London Road.

No people were injured and there was no-one on site when the fire began, the service added.

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