Residents return home after Workington major incident
A major incident was declared to coordinate a significant multi-agency response
Last updated 9th Sep 2025
People evacuated from their homes in Workington can now return after firefighters brought a shed fire safely under control.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service was called to Bolton Street shortly before 5:30pm on Monday evening after reports of a shed blaze involving two highly flammable gas cylinders.
The fire was quickly tackled and after continuous checks on the cylinders, the area was declared safe.
A major incident was declared to coordinate a significant multi-agency response.
People living within one hundred metres of the fire were evacuated, while a wider two hundred metre cordon was set up with advice for those inside it to stay indoors and close windows.
Most evacuees stayed with friends or family, while a small number went to a reception centre at the Carnegie Theatre on Finkle Street.
There were no reported injuries.
"necessary precaution"
Superintendent Sarah Jones from Cumbria Constabulary, who chaired the response group, praised the community:
“I would firstly like to thank all residents who were evacuated for their patience and support. Although it is not ideal to remove people from their homes, it was deemed a necessary precaution. Our main priority was to ensure the safety of all residents.”
Area Manager Stuart Hook from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service added:
“This was a significant response with our crews working tirelessly to safely resolve this incident and keep people safe.
"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 disruption.”
The major incident has now been stood down, with cordons lifted and people allowed back to their homes.