An investigation is underway following a fire that broke out at an RAF base early on Sunday morning. Fire crews worked to extinguish the significant blaze at a Gloucestershire airbase, where a storage building at the RAF Fairford site was engulfed in flames.
The fire reportedly started around 1am and has been labeled as ‘accidental’ by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue. Since March, RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force for defensive operations following approval by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The base’s involvement in the Iran conflict has sparked controversy, leading to a peaceful anti-war protest held on Saturday, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. Around 200 individuals gathered at the base, marching to the end of the runway with signs condemning US presence in British bases and opposing President Trump’s military actions.
RAF Fairford is one of only two bases in Europe capable of accommodating all three of America’s long-range bombers. The US Air Force confirmed that there were no injuries, the fire has been contained, and there is no current risk to the base or the local community.
They expressed gratitude for the support from the local community and stated that the safety of personnel and residents remains a top priority. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, with updates to be provided as information becomes available. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service mentioned that the fire affected a single-storey industrial storage building, which was safely brought under control with no casualties.
Crews are on-site as a precaution, ensuring the situation is fully resolved. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental based on initial investigations.