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
Thales to deliver Bushmaster PMVs to Australian armed forces

Defence

Thales to deliver Bushmaster PMVs to Australian armed forces

27 April 2026

Thales Australia today welcomed a new Australian Government commitment of AU$750 million to deliver 268 additional next generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to be built at its Bendigo, Victoria facility.

MarineAI signs Armed Forces Covenant

Defence

MarineAI signs Armed Forces Covenant

27 April 2026

Plymouth-based MarineAI has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community.

MoD extends BFBS contract

Defence

MoD extends BFBS contract

27 April 2026

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has extended its commitment to BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) with a new 10-year contract, expanding and adapting their service to a new media landscape and ensuring that Service communities remain connected and informed wherever they are in the world at the touch of a button.

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner