Investigation to begin into cause of fire at Rockcliffe Industrial Estate, Carlisle

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have now officially handed the site back to the owners and are gearing up for a full investigation into what caused the fire.

Members of the public were warned to keep their windows and doors closed after it was discovered the building contained asbestos.

Both Cumbria police and Carlisle Fire services attended the fire on Rockcliffe Industrial Estate, Carlisle.

Cumbria police were on had to help and the crews were given another helping hand from United Utilities who provided a water bowser so firefighters were able to access to a constant water supply.

The Rockcliffe Industrial Estate fire: Picture: Carlisle East Fire Station Twitter

Unable to enter, the crews dedicated their time to keeping the public safe.

The call came at about 9am on Monday morning and firefighters spent more than a day at the site keeping it under control.

Station Manager Owen McCarney said: "It was a long day but our main purpose was to keep the public and our crews safe.

"We have now handed the site back over to the owners and we will be carrying out a full investigation this week.

"It was too dangerous for crews to enter the old building at the time.

"Now it is no longer a risk but we were worried about the asbestos risk.

"The building was full of about 500 tonnes of mixed waste including plastics and wood."

The fire boss explained how thankfully the wet weather helped keep the area damp and helped to prevent any added dangers.

Yesterday, crews continued to monitor the site and said it was now a controlled burn.

Crews have thanked the public for the help after resident in Rockcliffe village were advised to close all doors and windows as a precaution.

During the peak of the response process five fire appliances, an aerial ladder platform and a water bowser were in attendance.