THE fire at BAE's Barrow shipyard 'could have been much worse' if not for the quick response from emergency services, Cumbria's crime tsar has said. 

Cumbria and Lancashire fire crews and paramedics responded to the incident, working alongside Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE.

The county's police, fire and crime commissioner David Allen praised their response. 

He said: “I really commend all services coming together to tackle the fire at BAE Systems.

“The quick response meant that Cumbria and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services were able to get the blaze under control and therefore ensuring the safety of those who work in the yard.

“Thank you to all the emergency services that attended the fire and provided the public with safety messages – it can be an incredibly daunting experience and the bravery it takes to put the safety of others first has to be applauded."

He extended praise for other organisations who worked on the response.

“I also want to extend my thanks to the Council and NHS for supporting the local community throughout providing safe places to attend and for reassuring those with health concerns," he said.

“It is absolutely a team effort and without all of you taking action, the outcome could have been much worse – I want you all to know that I appreciate all that you have done with regards to this fire and the wider community.

“I also want to thank the public for following the recommendations of the emergency services.”

The fire broke out in Devonshire Dock at around 12.45am on Wednesday.

Fire crews worked on battling the flames in the building until 1pm before moving onto dampening down the site.

Nearby residents were initially told to stay in their homes and passing motorists were warned to keep windows closed.

Police said there was no nuclear risk as a result of the blaze.