RAF Fairford fire: Huge blaze erupts at base used by US bombers - 'keep windows closed'
The fire at the airbase erupted overnight.
A huge fire erupted at a RAF airbase overnight, prompting a major 999 response. Several crews rushed to RAF Fairford, being used by US aircraft involved in operations in the Middle East, after they were called to reports of a fire at 1.52am.
The fire involved "a single-storey industrial storage building", Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue said, and was brought under control only several hours later, in the late morning of Sunday, April 26. A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.52am this morning to reports of a fire at RAF Fairford.
"Fire engines from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended and were supported by neighbouring fire and rescue services.
“The fire involved a single-storey industrial storage building. It was brought under control safely and there were no casualties.
“Crews remain at the scene this morning as a precaution and to ensure the incident is fully resolved.
"Fire investigation is ongoing and the early indication suggests the cause of fire was nothing other than accidental.”
There were no immediate report of casualties.
A previous statement from the service, shared minutes before 5am, urged people in the area to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke rising from the area.
It read: "We are responding to a fire in a commercial building in the Fairford area. Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke from the fire."
It is understood no RAF personnel were involved in firefighting activities.
The fire erupted in an unoccupied building, according to the US Air Force.
A US Air Force spokesperson told the Express: "At approximately 1am on 26 April, a fire was identified in an unoccupied building on RAF Fairford, leading to a response from on-base emergency services with the support of our partners from surrounding communities.
"There were no injuries sustained, the fire has been contained and currently poses no risk to the base populus or local community. We are thankful for the support of our local community members and services, the safety of our personnel, families, and surrounding communities remains our top priority.
"An investigation has been initiated and is ongoing, more information will be released as it becomes available."
The Government granted the US Air Force permission to utilise RAF Fairford, near the Wiltshire border, following the onset of the war in Iran.
Washington has deployed the facility to send bombers on defensive operations against Tehran.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2198519/raf-fairford-fire-building