A fire has broken out at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness where Britain’s cutting-edge nuclear submarines are built by the weapons manufacturer
A massive fire has broken out at BAE Systems where Britain’s nuclear submarines are made, according to local reports.
Images and videos posted online show flames and smoke filling the night sky at the headquarters of BAE Systems Submarines in the Cumbria town of Barrow-in-Furness, where the British multinational arms manufacturer – that designs, develops, and produces weapons – manufactures and constructs the UK’s nuclear submarines.
On Twitter, @jeffbarrow81 wrote: “So BAE is currently on fire. That’s kinda worrying.”
The fire is reportedly at the Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH), a massive shipbuilding complex that forms part of the BAE Systems shipyard in the Barrow Island area. It is believed to have started at approximately 12.45am.
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.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for more information, and BAE has been approached for a comment.
Residents have shared their fears the huge blaze could spell “really bad” consequences.
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 caters for Ministry of Defence, and so Barrow residents have shared alarm any incident there could be particularly serious.
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 Facebook, one local resident wrote: “I guess that’s what that buzzing noise is I can hear. I thought I was going mad.”
Another claimed: “Been evacuated a while ago because of the fumes.”
One person said on Twitter: “Yeah barrow Bae systems is on fire. Some Wednesday night Jesus Christ.”
In January BAE Systems said they needed to add 5,000 workers to their 12,000 workforce due to winning a £3.95bn ($4.82bn) contract to build a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines. It will commence construction of SSN-AUKUS subs later this decade.
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