The US Air Force has launched an investigation after a fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire — the British base that has served as a crucial launchpad for American bombers carrying out missions against Iran.
Several firefighting crews were deployed to the incident, which started at around 1am. Video of the blaze showed smoke billowing from what appeared to be the base's commissary — a shop providing food and equipment — with photographs suggesting the building's roof had collapsed. No one was injured and no RAF aircraft were damaged.
RAF Fairford is one of only two bases in Europe capable of hosting all three of America's long-range bombers — the B-1 Lancer, the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress. Using the British base halves the time the aircraft need to spend in the air on Iran missions. The government permitted the US Air Force to use Fairford for defensive operations in March following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.
According to a Times report, the US Air Force said: "There were no injuries sustained, the fire has been contained and currently poses no risk to the base populace or local community.
"We are thankful for the support of our local community members and services. The safety of our personnel, families and surrounding communities remains our top priority.
"An investigation has been initiated and is ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available."
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is reported to have said: "The fire involved a single-storey industrial storage building. It was brought under control safely and there were no casualties.
Crews remain at the scene this morning as a precaution and to ensure the incident is fully resolved. Fire investigation is ongoing and the early indication suggests the cause of fire was nothing other than accidental."
Around 200 anti-war demonstrators gathered at the base on Saturday — the day before the fire — marching to the end of the runway.
Surrounding roads were closed and local residents warned to expect disruption, though no arrests were made. Protesters held signs reading "No war on Iran", "US out of British bases" and "Stop Trump's deadly wars."
