Our history

The recent history of Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service really starts in 1947 when the fire service as we know it today was formed.   Prior to that there was the National Fire Service and before that there were various independent services run by volunteers in villages, towns and cities throughout the country.   Cumbria Fire Service was formed in 1974 after local government was reorganised. It took in Cumberland Fire Service, Westmoreland Fire Service , Carlisle and Barrow Fire Services and parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire.   It is the second largest county in the UK.   In 2005, the service changed its name to Cumbria Fire & Rescue service to reflect the new responsibilities it now has.   Further information can be found in The History of Fire.