A massive blaze has engulfed BAE Systems, where Britain's nuclear submarines are built, according to local reports. 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.
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 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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The Impact of the Fire on Submarine Construction
The fire at BAE Systems' shipyard has raised concerns about the potential impact on the construction of nuclear submarines. The DDH is a crucial facility, responsible for building both the Vanguard-class and the Astute-class submarines. The Vanguard-class submarines are nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, while the Astute-class submarines are nuclear-powered attack submarines. The fire is believed to have started in the section of the DDH where the HMS Agincourt, an Astute-class submarine, is being constructed. The extent of the damage to the facility and the impact on the construction schedule for the Agincourt are still unknown. However, the fire has undoubtedly raised concerns about the potential delays and disruptions to the UK's submarine construction program. The fire is a reminder of the critical importance of these submarines to the UK's national security. The UK relies heavily on its nuclear submarines to provide a deterrent against potential adversaries. Any disruption to the construction program could have serious implications for the UK's defense capabilities. The UK's defense ministry has been approached for comment on the fire and its potential impact on the submarine construction program.
BAE Systems: A Vital Defense Contractor
BAE Systems is a global defense, aerospace, and security company. It is the largest defense contractor in Europe, with a workforce of over 85,000 people across the globe. The company has a long history of providing weapons, systems, and services to the UK's armed forces. BAE Systems' shipyard in Barrow is a vital part of the UK's defense industrial base. The shipyard is responsible for building the UK's nuclear submarines, which are crucial for the UK's national security. The fire at the shipyard is a significant event, as it could potentially disrupt the production of these critical assets.
The fire at BAE Systems' shipyard is a major incident. It has raised concerns about the potential impact on the construction of nuclear submarines and the wider defense industrial base. The fire is a reminder of the importance of BAE Systems to the UK's national security. The UK's government will be closely monitoring the situation and working with BAE Systems to assess the damage and mitigate any potential disruption to the UK's submarine program.
