Two people released from hospital after BAE shipyard fire in Barrow
Firefighters brought the blaze under control
Last updated 31st Oct 2024
Two people taken to hospital following a fire at the BAE shipyard in Barrow have since been released.
The huge blaze broke out in the early of yesterday morning - but was brought under control by firefighters.
It's where the UK's nuclear submarines are built.
Residents living next to the shipyard saw thick smoke and bright flashes as the fire broke out.
BAE said the pair taken to hospital were workers at the site and they have since been released from hospital.
Cumbria Constabulary said there was no nuclear risk and, in an update shortly before 3pm yestrerday, said firefighters had suppressed the blaze and moved to dampening down.
A multi-agency investigation is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, the force said.
Debbie Holliday, who lives opposite the Devonshire Dock Hall where the fire started, said she was woken by the alarm from the site and could see "lots of smoke".
She told the PA news agency:
"It was quite thick and you could see the fire on the top of the building. I started to get more concerned when I saw flames on the roof.
"We just stayed inside and shut the windows."
"The children slept through it but I have the front bedroom. I could hear what sounded like fireworks as well as the alarm and could see bright flashes where the fire was.
"It lasted 45 minutes, or maybe more."
Videos shared on social media show flames shooting out from the building, with alarms blaring.
Later on Wednesday morning, the smoke had cleared but areas around the roof of the dock hall appeared slightly blackened and fire vehicles were seen going to and from the site.
One worker said he had been sent home from the site after turning up for his shift at 6am.
Michaelson Bridge was closed following the fire but it was reopened to traffic later in the morning.
In the afternoon, police said they were no longer advising residents of the need to keep doors and windows closed.
The facility is home to Britain's Astute-class submarines and Dreadnought programme.
A BAE Systems spokesman said:
"The area around the Devonshire Dock Hall has been evacuated and everyone has been accounted for.
"Two colleagues were taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation and have both since been released."
Shares in the FTSE 100-listed company fell as much as 2% in morning trading on Wednesday.
"Quick response"
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, has praised the quick response and teamwork of local agencies in response to the fire.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS), Cumbria Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Northwest Ambulance Service (NWAS), NHS, Westmorland and Furness Council (WAF) and BAE Systems all responded to a fire in the shipyard in the early morning of Wednesday 30 October.
Speaking on the response, Commissioner David Allen, said:
“I really commend all services coming together to tackle the fire at BAE Systems.
“The quick response meant that Cumbria and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services were able to get the blaze under control and therefore ensuring the safety of those who work in the yard.
“Thank you to all the emergency services that attended the fire and provided the public with safety messages – it can be an incredibly daunting experience and the bravery it takes to put the safety of others first has to be applauded.
“I also want to extend my thanks to the Council and NHS for supporting the local community throughout providing safe places to attend and for reassuring those with health concerns.
“It is absolutely a team effort and without all of you taking action, the outcome could have been much worse – I want you all to know that I appreciate all that you have done with regards to this fire and the wider community.
“I also want to thank the public for following the recommendations of the emergency services.”