Latest News

At around 9pm on Tuesday 3 August, a fire broke out in a building within the conventional non-nuclear explosives area of AWE Aldermaston. AWE’s fire and rescue service were quickly on the scene and were supported by Royal Berkshire fire fighters. One member of AWE staff received minor injuries in the incident and was treated by first aiders on the site.

As a precautionary measure, a 600 metre cordon was set up around the building and a small number of local residents were evacuated overnight from their homes in the Red Lane area.

A full investigation in the causes of the incident, which has no radiological implications, will be undertaken. The Ministry of Defence and AWE’s regulators have been informed.

Contacts: AWE Press Office: 0118 985 5888.

Alan Price (0118 985 6402), Val Hincks (0118 985 6410), Rachel Whybrow (0118 985 6414) or Philippa Kent (0118 985 6412).