Information
A “significant fire” broke out overnight at BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, leading to the evacuation of the Devonshire Dock Hall, the facility where the UK’s nuclear submarines are built. Emergency services were called around 00:44 GMT, and two individuals were taken to the hospital with suspected smoke inhalation but later released. The fire, which produced thick black smoke visible in the surrounding areas, required 15 fire appliances to bring it under control. Authorities confirmed that there was “no nuclear risk,” and BAE advised non-essential staff at the hall to work from home. An investigation into the fire’s cause is currently underway.
Local residents expressed concern, noting a strong smell of burning and visible smoke, and were advised to keep windows and doors closed. The incident caused some confusion among workers arriving at the shipyard the next morning about which areas were safe to access. Smoke damage could be seen on the building, and nearby roads have since reopened. BAE’s shipyard is one of Europe’s largest and is critical to the UK’s nuclear submarine programs, with several submarines under construction, including those from the Dreadnought and Astute classes. The incident also impacted BAE’s shares, which dropped by 2% in morning trading following news of the fire.
Source: BBC
So what
While it is likely that this fire was caused by some sort of fault or accident, it is possible that this was some kind of arson attack by a criminal group or issue-motivated persons. Additionally, it is possible this attack was encouraged or directly supported by a foreign intelligence organisation, similar to arson attacks seen across Europe. However, it is unlikely that the UK government or security services would ever confirm this being the case publicly.
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