Two taken to hospital after big fire at BAE factory in Cumbria
Police say there is no nuclear risk in Barrow
Last updated 30th Oct 2024
UPDATE - 14:45
Emergency services remain at the scene at BAE in Barrow.
It follows a large fire at the site in the early hours of this morning, which resulted in two people being taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.
The Cumbria Local Resilience Forum have issued the following statement:
"Emergency services remain in attendance at BAE in Barrow following a significant fire at the site in the early hours of this morning (30 October).
"Firefighters at the scene have the fire suppressed and have moved onto dampening down.
"As such, people may soon see fire and rescue vehicles begin to leave the site, although there is likely to remain a presence for the majority of the day.
"A multi-agency investigation is on-going to establish the cause of the fire.
"We are no longer advising the public of the need to close doors and windows, not have car air conditioning on, etc.
"Michaelson Bridge has been reopened.
"The major incident response and related strategic coordination group has now been stood down.
"Police and partner agencies would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident."
The Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board have also issued a statement:
"Please continue to attend appointments as usual.
"Primary Care, including general practice, is open as usual today and people should attend any existing appointments.
"Primary Care Services in the area are unaffected.
Two people are in hospital after a huge fire broke out at the B-A-E site in Barrow.
It's where the UK's nuclear submarines are made.
The blaze broke out in the early hours with emergency services called not long before 1am.
Whilst people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, the message remains to keep doors and windows closed.
People are also asked to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue with their work.
If you are in a road vehicle and travelling within the vicinity of BAE, you're being asked to close your vehicle's windows, air vents and sunroof and turn off fans - plus turn off fans and air conditioning if you have them.
Police are insisting though there is no nuclear risk.
It's understood authorities are looking into whether faulty equipment could be to blame
Pictures and video shared on social media overnight showed flames shooting out from the Devonshire Dock Hall building, with alarms blaring in the background.
The two people in hospital are being treated for smoke inhalation whilst everyone else evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall are accounted for.
A road closure remains in place for now on Michaelson Bridge.
The facility is home to Britain's Astute-class submarines and Dreadnought programme.
BAE Systems has been contacted for comment.