'No nuclear risk' from fire at BAE Systems shipyard

30th Oct 2024 08:59

(Sharecast News) - Shares in BAE Systems were in the red on Wednesday morning, as emergency services dealt with a fire at its Barrow-in-Furness nuclear submarine shipyard, briefly hospitalising two people and leading to the evacuation of the facility's main building, Devonshire Dock Hall.

According to the BBC, emergency services were alerted to the incident around 0044 GMT, while local residents nearby were urged to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

The two individuals taken to the hospital with suspected smoke inhalation were later released, and all workers on site had since been accounted for.

Authorities confirmed there was "no nuclear risk" from the incident.

"Emergency services remain in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site - there is no nuclear risk," the Cumbria Constabulary said in a statement at 0815 GMT.

"Whilst people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, the message remains to keep doors and windows closed.

"If you are in a road vehicle and travelling within the vicinity of BAE, please close your vehicle's windows, air vents and sunroof and turn off fans. Turn off fans and air conditioning if you have them.

"People are also asked to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue with their work."

The blaze, which left visible smoke damage to the facility, impacted operations at the shipyard.

BAE instructed non-essential personnel at Devonshire Dock Hall to work from home for the day, while others were advised to report as usual and monitor the employee hotline for further updates.

Although the fire had reportedly been extinguished, the emergency response team, including the fire service, was expected to remain on-site throughout the day as a precaution.

BAE's Barrow-in-Furness site houses construction for both the Dreadnought-class submarines, intended to succeed the Vanguard-class in the early 2030s, and the final vessel in the Astute-class.

At 0851 GMT, shares in BAE Systems were down 2.03% at 1,253.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.