Wimbledon grounds evacuated, but Serena's press conference continues
The Wimbledon Tennis Club grounds were evacuated just after 9 p.m. Wednesday evening after a fire alarm sounded. Play had concluded for the day.
At first security staff evacuated Center Courte, announcing via the public address system that anyone remaining inside the building must leave.
Everyone, that is, except Serena Williams and the media covering her press conference. The announcement interrupted her press conference, but any media working inside the media center were permitted to stay inside. The media center is adjacent to Centre Court.
I hope TV shows the footage of Serena sitting through two fire alarm announcements during her press, because lol. #wimbledon
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 1, 2015
As Serena answered questions about her win, officials decided to evacuate the entire grounds, including eventually the media room. That included more than 3,000 people. All ball boys, ball girls, and staff were evacuated.
Police officer currently re-evacuating press room confirms three-engine electrical fire in Centre Court maintenance room. #wimbledon
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) July 1, 2015
Game set and match. The fire at #Wimbledon2015 tennis club is now under control. pic.twitter.com/vZ14gXQlq6
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) July 1, 2015
A spokesperson said it may have been caused by a "suspected electrical fault."
Confirmation that Centre Court was evacuated long after play had concluded owing to a suspected electrical fault. Fire brigade in attendance
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2015
Earlier in the day, there was a fire drill on Court One. And apparently a tree fell on a car in the parking lot.
#Wimbledon PR office says they have no report of a fire in kitchen of Court 1. There was a fallen tree on a car on Wimbledon Pk Rd, however
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 1, 2015
The only thing that seems certain: it's been an odd day in London.
To recap the day:- Big tree fell down right outside the grounds.- Ballkid collapsed had to be stretchered off.- Centre Court is on fire.
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) July 1, 2015
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Danielle Elliot is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact her at delliot@yahoo-inc.com or find her onTwitter and Facebook.
