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Homes have been evacuated after a fire at apartments in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Emergency services were called to the apartments opposite the Red Dragon pub in the town at around 5.45am on Sunday.
A Cumbria Police spokesperson said Main Street in Kirkby Lonsdale is closed and likely to remain closed for some time.
A number of nearby properties have been evacuated, with reception centres set up at the Methodist Church in Queen Square and Lunesdale Hall/Kirkby Lonsdale Institute.
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Markets, which were due to take place today, have been cancelled.
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, was at the scene on Sunday morning.
Ms Collinge told Beyond Radio that emergency services had advised people to avoid the area while they continue with their work at the scene.
She said the "community response has been fantastic".
"Please stay away from Kirkby Lonsdale today as the emergency response is ongoing," Ms Collinge posted on her Facebook page.
"St Mary's Primary school is opening up in addition to the Institute, Methodist Church and local hostelries."
Tom and the team at the Red Dragon posted on Facebook on Sunday morning to say:
"Due to the ongoing incident on Main Street, we anticipate that there will delays to opening today.
"Firstly - we hope that everyone is safe. Secondly praise to the fire services who are in attendance and controlling the situation.
"Please stay safe.
"We will update once we know more."
Photo credit: The Red Dragon Kirkby Lonsdale
Westmorland and Furness Council posted this photo on Sunday afternoon.
They said: "Fire crews hard at work on the ground. As before please avoid the area and if you live nearby please keep your windows and doors closed."