Visitors warned of fell fire risk in Cumbria

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Renewed appeals about the risks of summer fell fires in Cumbria have been made after almost 1,000 acres (400 hectares) of land was destroyed.

Appliances from five fire stations took about eight hours to bring the blaze on Muncaster Fell near Ravenglass under control on Friday.

No-one was hurt in the incident, which is thought to have been triggered by embers from a passing steam train.

Cumbria Fire Service said many fells were extremely dry at the moment.

A spokesman said the steep terrain on the fells contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

He appealed for help from the public in spotting small fires which quickly spread and become a "huge burden" on resources as well as a risk to life and property.

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