Firefighters in Cumbria have issued a warning after a large wildfire near Newby Bridge.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire just before 6pm on March 19.
He has since been released under investigation.
Sedbergh’s specialist wildfire team was mobilised to the wildfire just off the A590 near Newby Bridge.
The fellside was well alight and crews were initially deployed to attack the flanks and prevent the fire from spreading to woodlands and continued to fight the fire for a number of hours.
Specialist teams from across the county were also called to tackle the blaze.
A spokesman for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said: “Most wildfires in the UK originate from human activity. These will either be leisure activities or deliberate acts. Often carried out by people unaware of the risks associated with fire, especially wildfires.
“Educating individuals, organisations and communities as a whole about these risks can go a long way to forging an understanding of how these behaviours contribute to the problem, and how modifying them forms part of the solution.”
The Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service advice is:
- No campfires – they can easily get out of control.
- We advise against the use of disposable barbecues in rural areas.
- Ensure cigarettes are fully out and dispose of them safely.
- Take litter home – sunlight shining through glass can start a fire and waste can easily be used as fuel for fires.
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