A Wigton hotel that has been empty for several years was on fire tonight.
Four fire engines from Carlisle and Wigton were scrambled to the Kings Arms Hotel, Market Place, at 7.14pm when the fire was reported.
They tackled the fire using two hose reel jets, two breathing apparatus and a nine metre ladder.
The hotel in the centre of town has been closed for several years.
Police have now reopened High Street which was closed from the George Moore Monument down towards West Road.
Local residents said people living in King's Arms Yard were told to leave their homes during the fire for their own safety.
A spokeswoman from Cumbria Police did not say whether the fire was being investigated as an arson.
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