Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

Stay safe on our county’s roads:

🤳🏻 Never use your mobile phone while driving – it’s a distraction

❌ Don’t exceed speed limits – and don’t treat limits as a target

✅ Wear a seatbelt – you’re twice as likely to die in a crash without one

🍷 If you’re driving, avoid any alcohol – it can impair your judgement and reaction times

On rural roads like ours you might encounter hazards such as poor road surfaces, limited visibility of the road ahead, and vulnerable road users such as cyclists, motorcycles, horses, or people walking in the road.

Please drive slowly, familiarise yourself with uncommon road markings and signs, and prepare for adverse weather to make driving challenging.

cumbriafire.gov.uk/road-safety

29/05/2026

A brilliant community effort helped raise a fantastic £617.25 at Workington Fire Station's open day on Saturday!

Blue Watch from Workington and Whitehaven fire stations were joined by Workington on-call firefighters and the Fire Cadets units from both stations to work together and deliver a fun-packed day including:

🚗 RTC demonstrations
🚒 Fire hose trucks
🏰 Bouncy castle
🎫 Raffles and other games

28/05/2026

If you’re struggling in water, remember to

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

Relax and try to breathe normally

Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat

It’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently

Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

cumbriafire.gov.uk/water-safety

28/05/2026

The A689 is currently closed in both directions following a road traffic collision this morning (28 May).

The collision occurred at around 9.20am and involved three vehicles.

Emergency services are in attendance.

The road closure is from junction 44 to Houghton and is expected to be in place for some time.

People are asked to avoid the area.

26/05/2026

26/05/2026

– but only if they work.

It's so test yours now and monthly by pressing the button until the alarm sounds.

If it doesn’t sound, you need to replace the battery.

Make sure you have at least one on every level of your home and 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 cover a smoke alarm.

If someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, strobe light and vibrating-pad alarms are available.

You can complete a free online home fire safety check which could save your life here: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc

25/05/2026

We are urging all road users to take extra care and remain vigilant following several road traffic incidents over the weekend, including those involving motorcyclists.

The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility everyone has when using the road network. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, and even minor lapses in attention can have serious consequences.

We are appealing to drivers, riders and pedestrians alike to always consider one another and to take simple but vital steps to improve safety.

Steps to take include:

- Look twice for motorcyclists – motorcycles can be harder to see, particularly at junctions and when overtaking.

- Take extra care at junctions – always double-check before pulling out or turning across traffic.

- Give space – allow plenty of room when overtaking or following motorcycles.

- Ride and drive within limits – stick to speed limits and adjust for road, weather and traffic conditions.

- Stay focused – avoid distractions and remain fully alert at all times.

- Wear appropriate safety gear – for riders, protective clothing and helmets can significantly reduce injury risk.

A motorcyclist, a man aged in his 60s, died yesterday at the scene of a three-vehicle collision near Waverton at approximately 11:40am.

Also yesterday, in a separate incident shortly before 12:50pm, a motorcyclist was seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision on the A686 at Melmerby. The injured person, a man aged in his 60s, remains in hospital.

Inspector Alex Johnson, from Cumbria Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit, said:

“This weekend’s incidents are a timely reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We are appealing to all road users to look out for one another, particularly motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable on our roads. A moment’s extra care and attention can prevent serious incidents and save lives.

“Officers will be carrying out increased patrols across the county’s road network in the coming days, focusing on promoting safe driving behaviours and protecting vulnerable road users.”

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

It’s another hot one today… enjoy your Bank Holiday Weekend safely by following our safety advice near water!