Late-night blaze hits UK's biggest submarine factory - what we know so far
A fire broke out at BAE Systems submarine facility in Barrow-in-Furness causing two workers to need medical help. The site which builds UKʼs nuclear submarines was quickly evacuated with no risk to nuclear components
A massive fire started at BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness around midnight on oct 30th (the facility that builds Britains nuclear submarines). Two workers went to hospital due to smoke problems but one got out quick
The six-acre complex which is europes second-largest indoor ship-building place had to be cleared fast. Police made it clear that there wasnt any nuclear danger from the fire: “everyone has been checked and counted for at the Devonshire Dock Hall“
Local resident Donna Butler saw the whole thing: “My son told me bout the BAE alarms going off - when I opened the door there was lots of black smoke; it was super-thick and noisy“. Police blocked-off Michaelson Bridge (which sits close-by) and told people to stay inside their homes with windows shut
We are dealing with the fire at our Barrow site; all staff are safe and accounted for
The dock makes both Astute and Dreadnought submarines - including the nearly-done HMS Agincourt thats worth 1.5 billion pounds. Just this month they put out a new sub called Agamemnon that can:
- Make its own oxygen from sea water
- Travel around earth without coming up
- Never needs new fuel
- Carries special missiles and torpedoes
The site is working on four new nuclear subs that will take over from older ones in about 6 years. Steve Timms who runs BAE submarines said earlier this year that their work is key for UK defense plans
