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
FIA2026 animated banner
Milanion and RPAL expand Indonesian Navy USV programme

Defence Events

Milanion and RPAL expand Indonesian Navy USV programme

19 June 2026

At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris this week, Milanion Group and PT Republik Palindo Internasional (RPAL) agreed a significant expansion of their unmanned surface vessel (USV) programme for the Indonesian Navy, signing a new collaboration agreement that builds on a live contract already in implementation.

ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO

19 June 2026

ADS Group - parent organisation of trade association ADS and Farnborough International - has appointed Matthew Reynolds as its Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Leonardo awarded critical aircraft spares NAD contract

Defence

Leonardo awarded critical aircraft spares NAD contract

19 June 2026

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has awarded a £27 million contract to Leonardo (UK) Ltd to supply critical aircraft consumable spares across the UK’s entire fixed-wing and rotary-wing fleet.

New training targets installed at Holbeach

Defence

New training targets installed at Holbeach

18 June 2026

Two new repurposed marine vessel targets have been successfully delivered and installed at Holbeach Air Weapons Range (AWR), to enhance Defence training.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

Defence

Serco and StaplesVR partner on immersive training for NZDF

18 June 2026

Serco New Zealand recently formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with StaplesVR, bringing together immersive technology and operational training expertise to support the future training capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Army M109A7 Paladin contract

17 June 2026

BAE Systems has received a contract award valued at $535 million to produce additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB