Fire station damaged in blaze reopens

A fire station that was damaged when flames ripped through part of its building has reopened.

Lazonby station, which serves on-call firefighters, closed last February following a blaze upstairs.

Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said on-call firefighters were "vital in keeping our communities safe, especially in counties such as Cumbria where the geography is so vast and rural".

At its official reopening a certificate of thanks was presented to local bakery Bells of Lazonby, which allowed Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) to keep their fire engine on its premises during works.

The bakery was also given a mounted presentation fire service axe.

A spokesperson said it was "always happy to support anything where the community is involved".

"It's delightful to see the refurbished station back open," they said.

The official reopening was held on Wednesday with fire crews touring the refurbished facilities.

King's Coronation medals were also presented to various on-call firefighters.

CFRS head of response Brian Massie said it was "essential" to celebrate them.

"Without our on-call firefighters, CFRS would not be able to deliver the service we do, so I am so thankful to not only the on-call firefighters but also to their families and employers that support them to help keep everyone safe."

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