A FARMER is devastated after almost 60 acres of crops have been destroyed in a major blaze.

More than 50 firefighters tackled the fire at Berwick Court Farm near the Drusillas roundabout on the A27 on Wednesday just before 3pm.

Six fire engines, four Land Rovers, one water bowser and a support command unit were also present.

The fire eventually died down at about 9pm.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) cannot confirm how the fire started.

Almost 60 acres of barley, oil seed rape, straw, wheat and a £60,000 tractor was destroyed in the blaze.

Owner of the 800-acre farm Paul Lewis was heartbroken by the news.

He said his family have worked at the farm since 1974.

Mr Lewis was devastated about the losses but he praised the fire service for their efforts and the support he has received from other local farms.

Drusillas Park Zoo was forced to evacuate a total of 1,500 people when the fire broke out.

While no animals were hurt, staff members had to evacuate meerkats for safety reasons.

A spokeswoman said: “We are very glad everyone was safe. No animals were hurt.

“We were re-opened yesterday. There was no damage to the zoo, however it was very unfortunate for the field.

“We had to clean out the ash in the park but there was no lingering smell of smoke. The field is very black.”

The blaze has prompted the fire service to issue a safety warning.

A spokesman said: “We are reminding people how to have a safer summer following a serious fire at Berwick Court Farm. A tractor and crops in the field were damaged by the fire.

“The cause of the fire has not been confirmed at this stage.

“Our fire safety reminders include avoid having open fires in the countryside – especially in this heatwave.

“Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows as they can ruin whole fields of crops.”