Firefighters are understood to have descended on or near BAE Systems, a shipyard at Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, to tackle the large blaze
Residents have shared their fears a huge blaze thought to be at or near a large shipyard could spell “really bad” consequences.
Photographs show flames roar from or near BAE Systems, a shipyard at Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. It is believed to have started at approximately 12.45am on Wednesday.
Residents on social media have shared several images of the fire and expressed concern for the safety of those involved. BAE Systems is the largest defence contractor in Europe, and cater for Ministry of Defence, and so Barrow residents have shared alarm any incident there could be particularly serious.
It is understood submarines are built at the facility in the Cumbria port town. The Mirror has contacted BAE and Cumbria Fire Service for comment.
But one concerned resident said on Facebook: “What about the nuclear stuff there?” Another posted: “Isn’t this actually really bad?… I just thought nuclear subs.” A third added: “It’s terrifying.” Others expressed concern for those who work at the site, said to be the only facility where submarines are made in the UK. One man who lives nearby said he heard “a big thump” at around 2.30am.
On Twitter, now known as X, @jeffbarrow81 wrote: “So BAE is currently on fire. That’s kinda worrying.” Images and videos posted online show flames and smoke filling the night sky at the headquarters of BAE Systems, where the British multinational arms manufacturer – that designs, develops, and produces weapons – manufactures and constructs the UK’s nuclear submarines.
The DDH was used to build the Vanguard-class submarines nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and is currently building the cutting-edge Astute-class submarines to replace the Vanguard subs.
It comes after people were ordered to keep their doors and windows shut as campervan burned at a barn containing hundreds of bales of hay this week.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue are still at the scene of the blaze in Ower after the alarm was raised at around 4pm today. The fire started in a camper van before then spreading to a nearby barn, which continues to burn.
Residents have been told to beware of smoke, which may be seen from a nearby motorway. A spokesman for the fire service said: “Crews are currently in attendance at a barn fire in Ower.
