Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Emergency services tackle fire at BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness site

Security Defence

Emergency services tackle fire at BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness site

Cumbria Police and other emergency services have attended a fire at BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness site, which took hold in the early hours of this morning.

Above: Agamemnon, the latest Royal Navy Astute Class nuclear-powered submarine, was launched at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria earlier this month.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The Cumbria Local Resilience Forum stated that the incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning and the response operation remains ongoing.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The fire was in the Devonshire Dock Hall - the site's main building facility - with all those inside being evacuated and having been accounted for. Two people were taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation, with one of those subsequently released. At this time there are no other reported casualties

The site builds nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy and Cumbria Police confirmed there was "no nuclear risk".

Whilst people living nearby are no longer being advised to remain indoors, the message remains to keep doors and windows closed and if you are in a road vehicle and travelling within the vicinity of BAE, close your vehicle's windows, air vents and sunroof, as well as turn off fans and any air conditioning if you have them.

Advertisement
ODU RT

A road closure was put in place on Michaelson Bridge and people are also asked to avoid the area whilst emergency services continue with their work.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue are likely to have appliances on site for much of today.

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
SEA to provide OSHEN with acoustic underwater monitoring capability

Defence

SEA to provide OSHEN with acoustic underwater monitoring capability

10 April 2026

SEA, part of Cohort plc Group, is supporting marine autonomy specialist OSHEN on a ZeroUSV-led project, which is exploring the deployment and development of an autonomous underwater acoustic sensing network to enhance communications with subsurface assets.

Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to MoD

Defence

Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to MoD

10 April 2026

In a speech by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, the Ministry of Defence has today announced that it is purchasing a significant number of Skyhammer air defence systems from UK-headquartered scale-up Cambridge Aerospace, with deliveries starting from May. The company has committed to delivering these units to the MOD in the next six months.

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

Defence

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

9 April 2026

BMT has announced it will be engaging with BAE Systems Australia, the prime contractor for the Design Support Contract (DSC) supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates.

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

Defence

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

9 April 2026

Orders will deliver enhanced coastal monitoring capability using SharpEye radar technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

Defence

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

8 April 2026

Babcock International Group has been awarded a four year extension to its Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract, continuing its delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

Defence

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

8 April 2026

The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH)’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), have placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters, to support the continued expansion of its offshore energy operations, and progressively replace ageing aircraft in its fleet.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner