[A]t 3:30pm today, Thursday 2 August firefighters from Barrow were called to reports of a fire at a former hospital on Beccleuch Dock Road.
Crews attended the scene and discovered that the building was well alight.
A Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The team immediately requested backup at the site and an additional seven fire engines and an aerial platform are now in attendance.
“Crews are currently using hose reel jets to tackle the fire which is on the first floor of the three storey building; The roof is also well alight.
“Due to risk of collapse the team are currently working from a safe distance.
“Residents in the local area are advised to keep windows and doors closed at the current time.”