Politics & Government

Sub Catches on Fire at Shipyard

Small fire reported Tuesday morning aboard the USS Topeka

A small fire broke out in the forward section of a nuclear submarine at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Tuesday morning, but was quickly extinguished, according to shipyard officials.

Gary Hildred, a shipyard public affairs officer, said the fire was reported aboard the USS Topeka (SSN 754) at about 11:30 a.m. He said shipyard firefighters responded to the blaze that was burning in the forward part of the submarine and put it out quickly.

According to Hildreth, the fire was caused when a temporary electrical service panel was being relocated and a cable sparked resulting in a nearby plastic cover igniting. There were no personnel injuries.

and is currently undergoing an engineered overhaul. The Navy nuclear submarine is currently located in Dry Dock 3, Hildreth said.

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