Two Hospitalized Following Fire at BAE Systems Nuclear Shipyard

A “significant fire” occurred at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, resulting in two individuals being transported to the hospital. The incident at the facility, responsible for constructing the UK’s nuclear submarines, was reported at 00:44 GMT on Wednesday. BAE confirmed that the hospitalized individuals were believed to have suffered from smoke inhalation and have since been discharged, adding that everyone was “accounted for”. Cumbria Police stated that “no nuclear risk” was present. An inquiry into the fire’s origin has commenced. Firefighting personnel reported that they had brought the fire under control and were in the process of dampening it down by approximately 15:00. Previously, police indicated that the Devonshire Dock Hall, which serves as the site’s primary building facility, had been evacuated during the night. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced its collaboration with BAE and emergency services in the aftermath of the fire. Stuart Hook of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service noted that 15 fire appliances had been deployed to combat the blaze, and numerous “tired firefighters” were returning home. Motorists in the vicinity received instructions to close their windows, air vents, and sunroofs, and to deactivate fans and air conditioning systems. David Harris, a local resident, reported observing “smoke in the distance” after leaving a nearby gym in the early morning. He conveyed to the BBC, “Given the equipment used within the submarines… I only live a few streets back from where I took the footage so I did feel worried.” Another resident, Donna Butler, described seeing “a lot of black smoke” that was “really thick.” Jeff Holt, whose home is approximately a mile from the shipyard, stated that upon stepping outside, he could “smell the burning and smoke.” Debbie Holliday, 37, residing opposite Devonshire Dock Hall, recounted being awakened by the site’s alarm and witnessing “lots of smoke.” She mentioned her children slept through the incident, but she could “hear what sounded like fireworks as well as the alarm and could see bright flashes where the fire was.” She added, “I started to get more concerned when I saw flames on the roof.” Her response was, “We just stayed inside and shut the windows.” By Wednesday morning, a metallic scent of smoke permeated the air, and the doors of the impacted structure remained open, revealing smoke damage to the facility. Employees arriving for their shifts expressed uncertainty regarding which sections of the site were accessible and whether they should enter. BAE advised non-essential personnel assigned to Devonshire Dock Hall to refrain from coming to work on Wednesday morning and to work remotely if feasible. All other employees were instructed to report as usual but to consult the employee hotline for further information. Roads near Michaelson Bridge have since been reinstated for traffic. The hall, spanning approximately six acres, is recognized by BAE Systems as Europe’s second-largest indoor shipbuilding complex of its type. Vessels constructed there encompass the four Vanguard Class submarines, which form part of the UK’s Trident nuclear program. Presently, four new Dreadnought Class nuclear submarines are under construction at the facility, slated to supersede the Vanguards by the early 2030s. The final vessel of the Royal Navy’s seven new nuclear-powered Astute Class submarines is also being built at this location. Shares of the FTSE 100-listed company experienced a decline of up to 2% during morning trading on Wednesday.