A fire that broke out at a South Lakes pub has led to concerns being raised over the number of firefighters in the local area.

Staff at the Royal Barn on New Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, said they waited half an hour for fire crews to arrive after a coffee roaster overheated.

They managed to get the fire under control themselves in that time but feared what could if happened in different circumstances.

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A spokesperson for the Royal Barn said: "This incident really highlighted was the lack of numbers in retained fire service.

"We had to wait thirty minutes for the fire crew to arrive from Sedbergh due to the low numbers at Kirkby station.

"Luckily we had the the situation under control by then or it could have been a very different story."

The pub thanked the firefighters and added how appreciative they are of the 'amazing' work they do. 

It also encouraged people to inquire about joining their local fire and rescue service.

The Westmorland Gazette: Firefighters from Sedbergh fire station arrive at the sceneA spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: "On 28/5/2024 Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service received a callout to Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, the call received was a fire involving a coffee roaster.

"North-West Fire Control dispatched the nearest available appliance and crew from Sedbergh.

"Crews were met with a fire in the flue of a coffee machine. Crews extinguished the fire and checked the remainder of the property. No injuries were reported, and crews left the incident at 14.13.

"On-Call Firefighters are the backbone of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and we are always looking for exceptional individuals to join us. Our On-Call Firefighters come from all walks of life.

"Anyone who can give their time to the service and wants to protect their local community is welcome to apply. They do need to be aged 18 years or over and live or work local or near to their local fire station. 

"These people have everyday jobs and everyday lives, until their pager goes off - then they become professional Firefighters! They bring a diverse set of knowledge and skills to the service. For example, they include builders, farmers, stay-at-home parents, secretaries, engineers, cooks, factory workers, teachers, post persons, care workers, as well as being self-employed.

"Our On-Call Firefighters are not based at a fire station. They are ‘on-call’ and provide cover during the day, night and weekends. They receive the same training as their Wholetime colleagues and there are opportunities to receive additional training during development days and on the Wholetime stations to enhance their skills and knowledge."