BAE System's submarine plant in UK hit by fire, police assure of no nuclear risk

As a fire rages in defence contractor BAE System’s facility at Barrow-in-Furness in northwest England, the police have assured the public that there is no nuclear risk.

A fire broke out at around 00:45 am on Wednesday at the BEA facility at Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. It is the only facility in the United Kingdom where submarines are made, and the facility is currently working on nuclear-powered Astute-class submarines.

Even as some locals panicked amid thick plumes of smoke rising from the facility, the police have said there is no nuclear risk.

“Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site. This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning (30 Oct) and remains ongoing. There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed,” said the police in a statement, as per The Mirror.

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The police further said that two people have been taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

“At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge,” said the police.

At the same time, BAE confirmed that two employees have been rushed to the hospital.

“We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at site in Barrow in Furness. Two colleagues have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. Further updates will be given in due course,” said BAE in the statement.

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BAE is considered to be Europe’s largest defence contractor and among the largest in the world. It produces military hardware and technology central to nuclear submarines, fighter planes, tanks, and ships, along with arms and ammunition, according to Sky News.

BAE also builds Type-26 frigates for the British Navy and makes electronic warfare systems for F-35 fighter jets, as per the outlet.