Fire service warns of wildfire 'stress'
Shap Fire StationVisitors to the Lake District are being urged to act responsibly to cut the risk of wildfires.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue service has issued the plea in advance of an expected increase in visitors due to the coming Easter holidays and warmer weather.
It said tackling such blazes put a "massive amount of stress" on the service, and diverted resources in the event of an incident elsewhere.
People have been asked to ensure they extinguish any barbecues or campfires and take litter home with them.
Andrew Lowes, one of the fire service's station managers for prevention, said: "Wildfires can have a devastating effect on the environment, on wildlife, and on our ability to enjoy the countryside.
"But it also puts a massive stress on us as a fire service, if we're up on the common or a fell dealing with [one] it does take away a lot of our resources and our ability to deal with life risk."
There were a number of ways the public could help, he said.
"Don't discard rubbish such as plastic or glass that may reflect light and could cause fires," he said.
"If you use a disposable barbecue - which we fully ask people not to do - have them or campfires in designated areas, never leave them unattended and ensure they are extinguished fully.
"Last year there was a wildfire we were at for several days which was caused by a disposable barbecue.
"Just be careful and responsible."