A stock image of firefighters (Image: Getty)

       Families have been evacuated while others have been urged to keep their doors and windows closed after a vehicle fire sent smoke billowing into the air in Cumbria.

       Emergency services descended on the village of Distington at around 11.30pm on Friday, September 15. There are road closures on the nearby A595 and B5306.

       Police officers are warning people to stay away from the village. They say this is because there is a chance of "potential hazards" coming from the smoke.

       It is currently unclear what kind of vehicle is on fire.

       READ MORE: A63 closed in both directions due to 'police-led incident'

       A Cumbria Police spokesman said: "The fire – a vehicle fire in an industrial yard – was reported at 11.31pm yesterday ( September 15 ) and shortly afterwards led to the closures of these roads near the village in both directions.

       "Some evacuation of nearby residents has taken place. People are urged to avoid the area if possible and not to get close to the scene of the fire, due to potential hazards from smoke inhalation.

       "Residents nearby are also asked to keep their windows closed as emergency services deal with the incident."

       A National Highways spokesman said: "The A595 in Cumbria is closed in both directions between the A597 (Distington) and B5306 (Parton) due to an off network fire that is affecting the carriageway.

       "Emergency services including Cumbria Police and Cumbria Fire and Rescue are in attendance. National Highways have deployed resources to assist with traffic management. "

       Related articles Sir Salman Rushdie says we live in an 'age of offendedness' 'My boyfriend won't pay me rent - but he's already drained my savings' One lucky UK lottery winner wins share of ￡47m EuroMillions jackpot Adorable puma rescued by police after being 'held illegally' in property Incredible row between Sunak and Johnson revealed as new details emerge

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email