Investigations into the fire that broke out at BAE Systems’ nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness remains ongoing almost a year after the incident.
The blaze, which began in the early hours of 30 October last year at the Devonshire Dock Hall facility, took firefighters about 15 hours to bring under control. Authorities confirmed there was no nuclear risk at any point during the incident.
Cumbria Police said: “A police-led investigation, which includes officers liaising with a number of parties and organisations, remains ongoing.” The force has not disclosed further details while inquiries continue.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) confirmed that BAE Systems Marine Ltd has now complied with an improvement notice issued under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The enforcement notice followed findings that five employees had entered an area of the facility while the fire was still active. Two of those employees were taken to hospital for treatment but were discharged the same day and returned to work.
Bruce Archer, ONR’s Head of Propulsion Sites Regulation, said the regulator had worked closely with the company throughout the process. “We are satisfied that they have complied with the notice to demonstrate they have suitable emergency arrangements in place to protect workers in the event of a fire,” he said.
BAE Systems Marine Ltd provides and operates facilities to design, manufacture, test, and commission nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy. The Devonshire Dock Hall, where the fire took place, is a central part of that work.
The facility is now fully operational, with all teams having returned in January.
A BAE Systems spokesperson said: “We remain fully committed to delivering our submarine programmes for our Royal Navy customer as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible.”
The ONR’s investigation, which began shortly after the fire, identified shortfalls in how emergency procedures were communicated and how staff were instructed to act during a fire. The regulator said these arrangements were not adequate at the time of the incident but has since confirmed compliance following remedial actions taken by the company.
In a contemporaneous statement from Lord Coaker, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, tribute was paid to those who responded to the incident.
He said that emergency services “safeguarded the local population and helped put this fire out” and confirmed that there was “no nuclear risk” from the blaze. He also noted that seven BAE Systems employees were taken to hospital as a precaution and later released.
Lord Coaker added that the government remains committed to “delivering the Plan for Barrow,” supporting both the local economy and the UK’s national defence programme through its submarine construction and maintenance projects.
While the cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, Cumbria Police continue to lead the formal investigation, working with multiple agencies including the ONR and fire service to establish the root cause and assess any wider implications.
The incident has prompted a renewed focus on workplace safety within the nuclear submarine sector.
The ONR has emphasised the importance of ensuring that all emergency arrangements are robust, tested, and fully understood by personnel working in high-risk environments.
As Barrow’s Devonshire Dock Hall returns to full operation, the conclusion of regulatory action and ongoing police investigation mark significant milestones in the recovery process.
For both the community and the workforce, the fire serves as a reminder of the critical balance between industrial progress, national security, and safety at the heart of the UK’s nuclear submarine shipbuilding programme.
