BAE Systems fire Barrow: Flames fill night sky as blaze breaks out at nuclear submarine shipyard

A 'significant' 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, with the blaze being described as "significant" by police.

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. The fire is reportedly at the Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH), a massive shipbuilding complex and warehouse that forms part of the BAE Systems shipyard in the Barrow Island area. It is believed to have started at approximately 12.45am.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said, in a statement released on Twitter: "Fire crews are currently dealing with an Fire in the vicinity of BAE systems in Barrow, residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. We appreciated your co operation whilst we deal with the incident." [sic]

Police say two people have been taken to hospital but there is "no nuclear risk." Fire crews have urged local people to keep windows and doors shut.

The force said in a statement: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site. This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning (30 Oct) and remains on-going.

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"There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and 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 have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge."

BAE has released a statement, revealing everyone has been evacuated from the DDH.

The company said: "We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at site in Barrow in Furness. Two colleagues have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. Further updates will be given in due course."

At around 4.30am, Local resident Paul Ayres told the Mirror that smoke was coming out of DDH.

He said: "Working in nearby hotel, fire appears to be under control now, no visible flames as were apparent earlier. Still a lot of smoke coming out of DDH where subs are constructed. Roads are still closed on Michaelson Road leading to BAE. Police still present on both sides of bridge."

On Twitter, @jeffbarrow81 wrote: "So BAE is currently on fire. That’s kinda worrying." Local residents took to social media to claim they had been evacuated.

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 is thought to be being used to build a 1.6billion submarine for the Royal Navy - HMS Agincourt, an Astute-class nuclear-powered fleet submarine, is believed to be housed at the site as it is constructed.

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."

One local man, Moses Brown, who had been sharing news of the fire on Facebook, wrote: "People make things worse then it actually is I can ensure you all will be fine it’s nothing to worry about nothing has blown up and nothing will blow up just don’t believe anything you seen on Facebook there was no flames on the outside of the DDH building what so ever as you can tell by my photos it was the lighting multiple resources are working to get the smoke or potential fire sorted even Lancaster services were here working on it all we can do now is wait for the statement from BAE themselves." [sic]

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.

The 150-year-old shipyard is currently building several nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy and is also where the handful of subs that carry the UK's nuclear missiles were constructed.