FIREFIGHTERS in Barrow this evening continued with efforts to bring a barn fire in Rakesmoor Lane under control.

As of 7.45pm some crews were still on site at Sinkfall Farm, having initially been called out just after lunchtime. At that point, the fire service contacted The Mail to issue warnings about the dangers of asbestos believed to be in the roof of the building and asked passers-by and residents not to approach the area.

Six appliances from Barrow, Broughton, Grange, Millom and Ulverston - which has two engines - began battling the blaze at 1.27pm today (Friday 15). Two firefighters had to be sent into the barn to remove some gas cylinders which were inside.

It is now known that the incident involves the barn, hay and machinery. At 4.55pm the fire service released an update saying firefighters remained at the scene removing burning material using heavy machinery, assisted by on-site staff.

As of that time, two firefighters were in breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets and two main jets were in use. At one point during the afternoon, foam and ground monitors were also being used to fight the blaze.

Residents in Dalton had earlier been warned by the police to close their windows because of smoke being blown in that direction. Officers closed Park Road in both directions between the two roundabouts from the end of Abbey Road to the A590 and traffic was being diverted through Dalton.

The police said that the roads would be closed until at least 6.30pm to allow the firefighters to do their job. By 3.30pm firefighters had started bringing the blaze under control, which reduced the risk of asbestos significantly.

The fire did not affect play at the neighbouring Barrow Golf Course, where staff praised the heroic efforts of the firefighters nearby.

Bar manager, Sam Graham, said: "Everyone is allowed to stay on the course. Police have confirmed it is safe to stay online.

"I looked out across the course between 1.15pm and 1.30pm and saw the fire. We had the fire service in asking if everyone is OK.

"The fire service is doing a really good job. I'd like to say on behalf of everyone here at Barrow Golf Club that we hope everyone is safe and that the fire crews can tackle the blaze as quickly as possible."

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Major fire in Rakesmoor lane - several roads closed as police divert traffic away <a href="https://t.co/eGrsOCdjXG">pic.twitter.com/eGrsOCdjXG</a></p>— Jonathan Rees (@jreesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/jreesNWEM/status/908688200868225024">September 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The fire service has said information relating to this incident will next be updated in the morning.