‘No nuclear risk’ from BAE Barrow fire, say police

A statement from Cumbria Constabulary said the incident was reported today (October 30) at 12:44am. An 8:15am update on the force’s website said emergency services were still on site dealing with a ‘significant fire’. 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue are likely to be present on site throughout the day and the public has been advised to stay clear of the area. Initially, local residents had been urged to remain indoors with windows and doors closed. According to Cumbria police, “people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, (but) the message remains to keep doors and windows closed.

“Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else has been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.”

The Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) is one of Europe’s largest covered shipyards and the epicentre for the UK’s nuclear submarine programmes. Alongside the Astute Class submarines – the sixth of which was launched from Barrow earlier this month – DDH is also home to the Dreadnought programme. Dreadnought Class submarines are set to replace the UK’s Trident-carrying Vanguard Class subs from the early 2030s, maintaining the UK’s around-the-clock nuclear deterrent.