Shap fire station has urged people not to light campfires or barbecue in upland Cumbria after receiving a report of one.

On Saturday, July 11, while returning from another incident the Shap crew were alerted to a fire in a wooded area at the end of Haweswater reservoir.

The incident caller was contacted and provided more information, saying that a group of youths possibly camping in the area were gathering wood and burning it.

On arrival there were no signs of smoke but crew members filled scotty backpacks with water to take with them on their trek to search for the fire.

The crew came across Area wardens whilst walking and were informed that the youths in question had been asked to leave and a camp fire had been extinguished.

The crew continued to check the area and speak to people illegally camping and educated them on the dangers these fires could cause to the area.

A spokesperson for the station said: “It was evident to see that many more camp fires had been burning at different times recently, as well as the use of barbecue’s.

“Wardens regularly check the area for people camping and lighting fires. They can and have imposed fines on people carrying out such activities.

“As a service we urge people not to use naked flames, light camp fires or use barbecues whilst enjoying our upland areas. Especially whilst we are experiencing lengthy periods of hot and dry weather.

“Please always take away what you bring with you also.”

Access to upland areas throughout Cumbria can be very difficult and any kind of fire that gets out of control has the potential to use up significant numbers of resources for prolonged periods making it more difficult for fire crews to attend other incidents which may be more immediately life threatening.