Two individuals were hospitalized following a substantial fire at the BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard located in Barrow-in-Furness, as reported by local police. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 00:44 GMT on Wednesday, where the UK’s nuclear submarines are manufactured. The hospitalized individuals experienced suspected smoke inhalation but have since been discharged, according to BAE, which confirmed that everyone on site has been accounted for. Cumbria Police assured that there was no nuclear threat and announced an investigation into the fire’s origins.

The Devonshire Dock Hall, the primary construction facility on the premises, underwent an overnight evacuation. The Ministry of Defence stated it is collaborating closely with BAE Systems and emergency responders in light of the incident. Stuart Hook from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service mentioned that 15 firefighting units responded to combat the blaze, which has now been brought under control, allowing many exhausted firefighters to return home.

Residents in the vicinity were advised to keep their doors and windows shut. Similarly, drivers nearby were instructed to close windows and vents in their vehicles and turn off air conditioning systems to avoid smoke inhalation. David Harris, a local resident, described witnessing “smoke in the distance” after leaving a gym early that morning, noting that emergency personnel were already present when he arrived. Another resident, Donna Butler, remarked on the considerable amount of thick black smoke visible from her location.

Jeff Holt, living approximately a mile away from the shipyard, mentioned he could smell smoke as soon as he stepped outside his home. Debbie Holliday, who resides across from Devonshire Dock Hall where the fire ignited, recounted how she was awakened by alarms and saw considerable smoke. Although her children remained asleep during the chaos, she heard what resembled fireworks amidst alarms and observed bright flashes associated with the fire before becoming increasingly alarmed upon seeing flames on the roof.

On Wednesday morning, there was a metallic scent of smoke lingering in the air as doors at the affected facility remained open; visible smoke damage was apparent. Confusion arose among workers arriving for their shifts regarding site access protocols. BAE instructed non-essential staff at Devonshire Dock Hall to work from home if possible while allowing other staff to report for duty but advising them to check an employee hotline for updates.

The Devonshire Dock Hall covers about six acres and is recognized as Europe’s second-largest indoor shipbuilding complex. Notable constructions include four Vanguard Class submarines integral to the UK’s Trident program. Currently under construction are four Dreadnought Class submarines set to replace Vanguard vessels by early 2030s, along with the last of seven new Astute Class submarines being built at this site. Following this incident, shares of BAE Systems listed on FTSE 100 experienced a decline of up to 2% during morning trading hours.