Major Fire Erupts at Popular Seaside Attraction
A significant investigation is underway after a large fire devastated part of a well-known seaside amusement park. The blaze broke out at the Dinosaur Cove attraction within Ocean Beach Pleasure Park in South Shields on the evening of Boxing Day.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 7pm on Friday 27 December 2025. Crews from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, supported by Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service, responded to the incident.
Firefighters Battle Through the Night
Firefighters worked tirelessly overnight to bring the inferno under control. At the height of the operation, six fire engines and specialist appliances were deployed to tackle the flames.
The fire was finally extinguished by 3.30 am on Saturday morning, after hours of intense effort. The scale of the fire led to the closure of local roads, with a police cordon established around the area for public safety.
Cause Remains Under Scrutiny
Authorities have moved quickly to determine the origin of the fire. Northumbria Police have confirmed that the incident is not currently being treated as malicious. However, enquiries into the exact cause are ongoing.
A formal report is due to be prepared for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as part of the standard procedure. It is not yet clear whether there were any injuries as a result of the fire, with assessments likely continuing.
The Boxing Day blaze has cast a shadow over the popular tourist destination, with the full extent of the damage to the Dinosaur Cove attraction yet to be fully assessed.
