Two people were taken to hospital following a fire early Wednesday morning. Barrow-in-Furness shipyard BAE Systems inside cumbriaWhere the UK’s nuclear-powered submarines are built.

Cumbria police confirmed the fire started at around 12.45am, shortly after midnight, at Devonshire Dock Hall, which is used to build the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines and house the Dreadnought programme.

The police reassured the public that the incident did not pose a risk and said two people were taken to hospital with suspected smoke inhalation.

“There is no nuclear risk,” Cumbria police said in a statement to X. “However, people living nearby are advised to stay in their homes and keep doors and windows closed.”

Emergency services responded quickly and police confirmed all other staff were safe and accounted for.

People living in the area were advised to stay in their homes and keep their doors and windows closed while emergency crews dealt with the incident.

“We are working with emergency services to combat a fire at a facility in Barrow in Furness. BAE Systems said two colleagues were taken to hospital due to suspected smoke inhalation.

“There are no further casualties at this time and everyone else has been evacuated from Devonshire Dock Building and has been briefed. Further updates will be provided in due course.”

Barrow dockyard, located approximately 350 km northwest of London, plays a crucial role in British naval defence. It builds the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet, but is also where submarines capable of carrying the UK’s nuclear missiles are built.

Additional reporting by agencies