An investigation has been initiated into the fire that broke out at an RAF base on Sunday morning. Fire crews worked to extinguish a significant blaze at a Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours, where a storage building at the RAF Fairford site was engulfed in flames.
The fire is believed to have started around 1 am 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 under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s authorization.
The base’s involvement in the Iran conflict has sparked controversy, leading to a peaceful anti-war protest held on Saturday at the site, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. Around 200 protesters gathered, marching to the end of the runway with signs advocating for the removal of US forces from British bases and condemning 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 no injuries occurred, the fire has been contained, and there is no current risk to the base or local community.
The authorities expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized the ongoing priority of ensuring the safety of personnel, families, and nearby residents. An investigation is underway, with updates to be provided as information becomes available. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire, involving an industrial storage building, was successfully brought under control without any casualties.
Crews are continuing to monitor the situation as a precaution, and the fire investigation suggests the incident was accidental in nature.
