A major fire erupted at the site of BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, northwest England, early Wednesday morning, CNN reports.
Emergency services, including fire crews and police, responded to the incident.
The fire, which broke out around 12:44 a.m. local time, sent flames and smoke billowing into the sky, visible from nearby areas. Photos shared on social media showed the blaze engulfing an industrial building near the shipyard.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities have assured the public that there is “no nuclear risk.” Cumbria Police issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) advising residents to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed. A similar advisory was shared by the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Services.
Two individuals were hospitalized after suffering suspected smoke inhalation, according to police. Fortunately, both have since been released.
BAE Systems, a major defense contractor in Europe, confirmed the incident in a statement to CNN. “We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at our site in Barrow in Furness,” the spokesperson said. “The area around the Devonshire Dock Hall has been evacuated and everyone has been accounted for.”
The company is headquartered in Barrow-in-Furness and specializes in the construction and assembly of the UK’s nuclear submarines.
