Group Manager John Baillie is responsible for this fire station.   He can be contacted about general matters regarding this station. John is based at Carlisle & Eden Area Office, 11-13 Brunswick Street, Carlisle, CA1 1PB

Telephone:    01228 815343

Email:  john.baillie@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Alston is situated in the North East corner of the County, on the confluence of the South Tyne and the River Nant.   It is said to be the highest market town in England, at about 300 metres above sea level.

Historically the area was mined for lead, silver, zinc coal and fluorspar, these have all closed now, the last mine closed in the 1950's, although the mining history is exploited for tourism purposes. Currently the main employer is Precision Products, which employs around 65 workers.

Tourism is now a key source of income for the area, and also increases the towns' population, mainly within the summer months.

The Fire Station is staffed by retained duty personnel and has one fire engine.

The risks are mainly residential, however there are a number of hotels and guest houses which cater to the tourism trade. Due to the rural nature of the area, firefighters are called to deal with fires involving grass and heath land, barns and agricultural buildings. The station also attends a number of road traffic collisions each year

The personnel are actively involved in delivering fire safety messages to all groups within the area, they offer and carry out home safety visits. They have close links with the nearby school, and on a regular basis talk to the children on fire safety.

They also attend galas and fetes to promote fire and road safety and to raise funds for the Fire Service National benevolent Fund.