Major barn blaze forces eco-campsite's closure

The fire destroyed the barn and a holiday cottage owned by the family

A "devastating barn fire" has forced the owners of an eco-camping and caravan site to temporarily close.

The blaze broke out at the family-owned Upper Hurst Farm caravan and camping site, near the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, on Sunday.

Amy Dillon, of the family, said the site had been full with about 100 guests at the time but "thankfully, nobody was hurt and everyone is now safe back at home".

The "fire took hold so quickly that nothing could be done", she posted on social media, and it destroyed her family's holiday cottage as well as the barn. But she thanked firefighters who she said saved her mother's home.

The business said the site followed a nature-based ethos and offered peace and tranquillity

Ms Dillon said the business, which has won awards for its sustainable practices, had been owned by her mother Susan Green for 13 years.

But the family have been left shocked, she added, after the fire "destroyed our biomass boiler, electrics and just about everything we need for our business to operate".

It meant the site, which also offers glamping and cottage accommodation, has been shut.

"Repair work will take place and we will reopen as soon as we can. Customers with existing bookings will be contacted directly," the firm said.

The owners of the Upper Hurst farmhouse holiday let, on the same site, said they lost a building in the fire but remained open

Staffordshire and Derbyshire fire crews who attended the blaze in Hulme End had been "absolutely incredibly", Ms Dillon said.

"Without their hard work and equipment, mum’s house most definitely would have gone up in flames. They prevented that from happening and we are infinitely grateful," she added.