Firefighters have worked tirelessly through the night to control the wildfires that have occurred along the Cumbrian Coast railway line.
Emergency services were called out yesterday, Saturday April 5, to tackle dozens of fires on railway embankments, thought to be caused by sparks from the Tangmere steam train which was travelling on the line as part of a pleasure trip.
Police have asked that people stay away from the areas today, Sunday April 6 to allow emergency services to move freely and unhindered.
People living in areas near the Cumbrian Coast Line in Nethertown, St Bees, Braystones and Coulderton were urged to stay indoors after the wildfires broke out and keep their windows and doors closed yesterday.
West Cumbria Search and Rescue was deployed as part of the operation.
Working alongside Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Cumbria police, the team deployed its drone rescue team.
Using thermal imaging drones, they were able to identify hotspots and new areas of fire to help firefighters on the ground.
They added: “Please can people avoid the temptation to come down and watch as we need to keep the roads clear for the emergency services.”
The fires caused severe disruption to the normal Northern services.
The line was blocked as emergency services tackled the blazes and Northern said trains were cancelled or be disrupted by up to 45 minutes in both directions.
Trains were suspended between Whitehaven and Sellafield and disruption continued all yesterday.
Rail replacement buses were laid on.
We were told earlier there were over 21 incidents along the coast between Drigg and Workington.
A fire sparked at Flimby was extinguished earlier.
People were told to keep away from the coastal paths in St Bees and surrounding area by firefighters at the scene – although no official statement was issued.
A second steam train, the Blue Peter, was due to travel down the line later yesterday afternoon – Cumbria Crack was told it was initially being held at Wigton while emergency services are at the scene but then returned to Carlisle.
One witness said earlier that they could see six individual fires on a short stretch.
It is understood there were also fires at Mirehouse.
At around 4pm yesterday, police were contacted about a report of a fire on Walney Island.
Limited access to the embankment caused issues for emergency services, Cumbria Crack understands.
The road to Nethertown from Egremont was also closed while emergency services attended.
