Update issued at 00:17 - 9 September 2025
Agencies responding to a fire in Workington can confirm residents evacuated from their homes can now return.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service have safely and successfully tackled a shed fire in Bolton Street, which was reported shortly before 5:30pm on Monday 8 September.
The shed contained two gas cylinders which were highly flammable. Following the successful extinguishment of the fire and continuous careful assessment of the cylinders, the area has been made safe.
The major incident, which was declared by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, has now officially been stood down.
A significant multi-agency operation to evacuate people within a 100m zone of the fire was carried out throughout the early evening. This operation included identifying those with vulnerabilities to ensure appropriate support could be provided to them.
A wider 200m cordon was also established to allow firefighters to tackle the fire without additional disruption. Those within the outer cordon were advised to stay indoors and close windows and doors.
Most people who were evacuated attended the homes of their friends and families, with only a small number of people accessing a reception centre which was opened at the Carnegie Theatre on Finkle Street.
There were no reported injuries.
Superintendent Sarah Jones, Cumbria Constabulary, chaired the strategic coordination group which coordinated the response to this incident. She said: “I would firstly like to thank all residents who were evacuated from their homes for their patience and support. Although it is not ideal to remove people from their homes, it was deemed a necessary precaution.
“A major incident was declared to effectively coordinate the response of various agencies. Our main priority throughout this response was to ensure the safety of all residents. Together agencies worked at pace to successfully achieve this.
“We are pleased to confirm that Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service have assessed it is now safe to remove both cordons and residents can now to return to their homes.”
Stuart Hook, Area Manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “This was a significant response with our crews working tirelessly to safely resolve this incident and keep people safe.
“Assessments have been conducted on both cylinders, following the extinguishment of the fire, and we can confirm that the area is now safe for people to return home.
“This was a complex fire to deal with, and I would like to thank the wider public for allowing our teams to carry out their work without additional disruption.”
Update issued at 21:55 - 8 September 2025
Agencies responding to a major incident in Workington are advising those who have been evacuated from their homes are likely to remain so until tomorrow morning (9 September).
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service are continuing to tackle a shed fire at a property on Bolton Street which was reported shortly before 5:30pm today (8 September).
The shed contains two acetylene cylinders, which are highly flammable.
A 100 metre cordon is in place and homes within this zone are being evacuated as a precaution.
A reception centre is open at the Carnegie Theatre on Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD.
A wider 200m outer cordon has also been established to prevent people from turning up at the scene and allow Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to continue tackling the fire without disruption. Those within this outer cordon are advised to remain indoors and to close windows and doors.
There have been no reported injuries.
Superintendent Sarah Jones, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “A major incident was declared to coordinate the activity of many agencies in providing a comprehensive response to support residents who have been evacuated from their homes in Workington.
“A reception centre is open for those who have been evacuated and require use of these facilities.
“The priority of this response is to ensure the safety of all residents and support those who have been evacuated.
“We expect this incident to run throughout the night. Therefore, those who have been evacuated are likely to remain so until tomorrow morning at the earliest.
“I would like to thank those impacted by this evacuation for their continued patience.”
Stuart Hook, Area Manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Crews have been tackling a complex fire for a number of hours.
“Acetylene cylinders are highly flammable and we will continue to carefully assess the volatility of the cylinders to ensure the safety of residents and first responders.
“Our crews have surrounded the fire, however it will take time to safely resolve this incident.”
A Cumberland Council spokesperson added: “We urge residents to follow the advice of emergency services to evacuate if advised to do so.
"Working with partners, we have set up a reception centre to support people affected by the incident.
"The reception centre provides shelter, refreshments, practical help and updates for residents affected.”
Update issued at 20:17 - 8 September 2025
A reception centre has been opened for those evacuated from their homes in Workington.
The reception centre is at the Carnegie Theatre on Finkle Street, Workington, CA14 2BD.
A 100m cordon is in place and homes within this zone are being evacuated as a precaution.
A wider 200m outer cordon has also been established to prevent people from turning up at the scene and allow Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to continue tackling the fire without disruption. Those within this outer cordon are advised to remain where they are and to close windows and doors.
Initial update issued at 19:51 - 8 September 2025
A multi-agency operation is ongoing in response to a fire in Workington.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service are currently tackling a shed fire at a property on Bolton Street which was reported shortly before 5:30pm today (8 September).
The shed contains two acetylene cylinders, which are highly flammable.
A 100 metre cordon is in place and homes within this zone are being evacuated as a precaution. A reception centre for those being evacuated is being established.
A wider 200m cordon has also been established to prevent people from turning up at the scene and allow Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to continue tackling the fire without disruption.
A major incident has been declared by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and agencies are working together to support those who are being evacuated from their homes.
There are no reported injuries at this time.
Emergency services request that people do not attend the scene.
Further information, including details of the reception centre, will be provided in due course.