A man has died in a fire in Kirkby Lonsdale.
The man in his 40s was recovered from a property on Main Street where the fire started on Sunday morning.
Another man suffered minor injuries and was checked in hospital for potential smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire is unknown at present.
Emergency services were still at the scene in Kirkby Lonsdale town centre on Sunday evening, after being called out at 5.45am.
Residents from nearby homes were evacuated after the authorities were alerted to the fire in apartments opposite the Red Dragon pub.
"Emergency services remain in attendance at a fire at an address in Main Street in Kirkby Lonsdale and all agencies are working together to deal with this incident," said a Cumbria Resilience Forum spokesperson on Sunday afternoon.
"A number of people are affected. There is a reception centre in place at the Methodist Church in Queen Square and plans are already under way to secure accommodation and support for anyone who cannot return to their home.
"We can confirm that sadly there has been one fatality - a man aged in his 40s has died.
"He was recovered from the property where the fire started – and he was declared deceased at the scene this morning at around 6.30am. His family has been notified and is being supported.
"There is one other casualty, a man who self-presented at Lancaster Infirmary with minor injuries and to be checked for potential smoke inhalation.
"There is not believed to be any other casualties or injuries as a result of this incident at this time.
"Main Street in Kirkby Lonsdale remains closed and likely to remain closed for some time whilst emergency services, including Cumbria Fire and Rescue, police and the local authority, continue with their work at the scene.
"It is expected road closures will remain in place for the coming few days and diversion routes will be put in place and clearly sign posted."
Image below: Cumbria Police
Superintendent Paddy O'Hara, chair of the Strategic Co-ordinating Group overseeing the response to the fire, said: "The cause of the fire is presently unknown. Investigators from both Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Constabulary are on hand to enter the building as soon as it is safe to do so.
"I'd like to thank the emergency services personnel and our partner agencies for all their hard work in Kirkby Lonsdale today, and the local community for their patience."
Residents in the town are being asked to continue to keep doors and windows closed.
People are also being urged not to travel into the town at this time.
A spokesperson for Carnforth Fire Station said: "At 6.32am we were called to Kirkby Lonsdale to join Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service dealing with a large blaze on Main Street.
"At the height of the incident there was around 15 appliances, three aerial ladder platforms and a major incident was declared.
"Our thoughts are with the Kirkby Lonsdale community, and a huge thanks for your hospitality and welfare given out to crews."
A Cumbria Local Resilience Forum spokesperson said that "further updates will be provided as soon as possible so that the local community and businesses are supported at this sensitive time".
Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Markets, which were due to take place today, were cancelled.
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