Around 60 firefighters have been involved in tackling a blaze which broke out last Tuesday at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire.
Crews from Berkshire, Surrey and London joined the AWE’s own firefighters to tackle the fire which broke out at around 9.00 pm. According to AWE, the fire was contained in a non-nuclear explosives manufacturing area and was extinguished shortly after 1.00am.
One worker received minor burns to his arms and face and was given first aid treatment on the site. A 600m cordon was set up around the fire, which resulted in the evacuation of 14 local residents and road closures in the area.
AWE says there were “no radiological consequences” as a result of the fire. Robin McGill, its chief executive officer, said: "We would also like to extend our appreciation to those local residents affected for their co-operation when advised to leave their homes and evacuate to local hotels. Our emergency response procedures worked well and although we were confident that there was no risk to the public, this routine precaution was taken to ensure the welfare and safety of our immediate neighbours.
"An investigation has already started, and we will also be working closely with the Health and Safety Executive. We will make our findings public by briefing the AWE local liaison committee which is made up of representatives of local authorities in Hampshire and Berkshire."
AWE provides and maintains warheads for the Trident nuclear missile system.
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