However, during the years, many bases have been closed, abandoned and forgotten. Some of the bases were rendered redundant after the second world war while other relocated to more spacious or compact areas. The Ministry of Defence is constantly reviewing and changing its security and defence which is why they are continually opening, closing and relocating to new areas in the UK. Here are some of Cumbria s lost and forgotten RAF stations:
RAF Crosby-on-Eden, known now as Carlisle Lake District Airport
Carlisle Lake District Airport In the early 1930s The City of Carlisle County Borough Council opened Kingstown Municipal Airport, at the time outside the borough boundaries which later became RAF Kingstown and is now Kingstown and Kingmoor industrial estates and business parks.
Airfield blaze caused by large pile of burning rubbish
Silloth Airfield fire. Picture: Carlisle East Fire Station
A senior firefighter involved in tackling a fire at a former World War Two hangar says the blaze involved a hangar filled with 200 tonnes of domestic waste.
Phil Stannett, duty station manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service in the west of the county, said the fire at Silloth Airfield was extinguished by 8pm last night.
The blaze started shortly after 4pm on Tuesday and at its height involved six appliances and 35 firefighters.
Firefighters will now monitor the scene during the next 24-48 hours but resources left the scene last night.
Silloth Airfield fire. Pictures: Carlisle East Fire Station
Firefighters are warning residents to avoid the area and say they are likely to be tackling a blaze at a Cumbrian airfield for some time.
Crews have been tackling the fire at Silloth Airfield throughout the night and are still at the scene.
A spokesman for Carlisle East Fire Station said: “Carlisle Eastâs crew have been at this incident throughout the night, and are still in attendance.
“The incident is likely to be protracted and ongoing for some time, so please avoid the area.”
Emergency services are still at Silloth Airfield this morning which was the scene of a blaze last night. Six fire appliances from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and a specialist water bowser from Penrith were in attendance at the airfield. The cause of the fire is currently not known but it took place in a former aircraft hangar where a large amount of plastic was found to be smouldering. Firefighters issued a plea to the public at the time to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they live nearby.
Firefighters have been “working really hard” to tackle a blaze at a Cumbrian airfield.
Six fire engines were called to the fire at Silloth Airfield earlier this evening.
Silloth Airfield fire. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service
Fire appliances will remain at the scene throughout the night, with active firefighting activity resuming in daylight.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service thanked the public for their cooperation.
Silloth Airfield fire. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service
An earlier statement from the fire service said: “Please can we remind locals to stay away from the area and keep your windows and doors closed.”