Wildfires break out across west Cumbria

Wildfires have broken out in several locations across a county during a day of dry and sunny weather.

Kris Shortland, who was visiting family in Ulverston, Cumbria, said he was taking a “leisurely walk” along the beach at Walney Island at about 15:45 BST when he noticed flames and a large plume of smoke.

Walney Fire Station issued a statement reporting the blaze was brought under control in about two hours, but small hotspots remained.

Witnesses also reported fires in locations further up the coast, including ones between Whitehaven and Sellafield which disrupted train services on the coast rail line between Carlisle and Barrow.

Mr Shortland said the wildfire he encountered was in the grass and gorse at the back of a golf club and several fire engines had been present.

It looked like “a large smoke plume” which was heading out to sea, he said.

“It spread rather quickly.”

Yvonne Hey said she saw a wildfire close to the rail line at Nethertown, a small village on the Irish Sea coast.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, also described seeing a fire in the same location, while pictures showed several separate plumes of smoke along the coastline.

Fires were also spotted close to the coastal village of St Bees.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue service issued a plea earlier this week urging visitors to the Lake District to act responsibly to cut the risk of wildfires.

Fire prevention officer Andrew Lowes said there were a number of ways the public could help.

“Don’t discard rubbish such as plastic or glass that may reflect light and could cause fires,” he said.