Keswick Fire Station

The town of Keswick lies in the heart of the Lake District and is very popular with holiday makers and people coming for long weekends. The influx of tourists often increases the town's population threefold at the height of the season, filling many of the hotels and guest houses.

The station was purpose built in 1969 and incorporates a drill yard and tower, in addition to the two appliance bays. It is staffed by firefighters employed on the retained duty system, who provide crewing for two fire engines. One of these has been specifically designed on a smaller scale to gain access to various remote locations where traditional built fire engines would be unable to travel. 

The main risks are associated with residential properties, hotels, guest houses and other types of holiday accommodation. However, other risks include large volumes of traffic on the predominantly 'B' type roads and the busy Penrith to Workington A66, which increases the potential for road traffic collisions. Open farmland brings the danger of barn and heath fires, in addition to other farm incidents, such as livestock rescues. 

With three major lakes within the station area, the potential for water rescue incidents is high, as is the possibility of pollution of the environment during incidents involving chemical tankers on the highways or firewater runoff from an incident. Suitable training and equipment, in addition to close workings with the Environment Agency also forms a key aspect of Keswick station.

Like all other fire stations, Keswick retained firefighters are involved in a wide range of community safety activities, such as carrying out home safety visits and providing road awareness training to local schools, as well as taking an active part in community life in the town.