Moment huge ‘accidental’ inferno rips through British air base used by US to strike Iran

A large fire broke out early this morning at the military air base in England, which the USA used to strike Iran, and the locals were called to close their windows.

The inferno has ripped through RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and videos show black smoke rising above the towering flames of the fire.

Fire crews rushed to the base used by the US Air Force at 1:52 a.m. to fight the fire, which was brought under control.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said it believed the fire was started accidentally when cables caught fire in an old, disused building (reportedly the base’s commissary).

The Ministry of Defense added that no injuries or damage to the aircraft were reported and no RAF personnel were involved in fighting the fire.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) said flames engulfed the single-storey industrial warehouse building but were safely contained.

Fire crews are at the scene this morning as a precaution to prevent another fire.

An investigation was launched into the fire, but GFRS said they believed the cause of the fire was ‘nothing other than an accident’.

A US Air Force Rockwell B1 Lancer heavy bomber takes off from RAF Fairford on March 17. The base was used by the US to strike Iran, as one of only two European bases capable of hosting heavy bombers.

A GFRS spokesman said: ‘We were called at 1.52am this morning to reports of a fire at RAF Fairford.

‘Fire crews from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended and were supported by neighboring fire and rescue services.

‘The fire broke out in a single-storey industrial warehouse building. While there was no loss of life in the incident, it was taken under safe control.

‘The teams are at the scene this morning for precautionary purposes and to ensure that the incident is completely resolved.

‘The fire investigation is ongoing and initial findings indicate that the cause of the fire was nothing more than an accident.’

RAF Fairford has hosted US Air Force aircraft and personnel since 2019 and is used by US forces for the Iran War.

It is one of only two European airfields designed for heavy bombers and routinely supports US Bomber Task Force operations.

This means that all three US long-range bombers (B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress) could be based here.

The fire was brought under control by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS).

GFRS said the cause of the fire was believed to be accidental. Ministry of Defense claims cables caught fire in disused building, base commissioner says

Some of its most prominent uses have been as an airfield for US Air Force B-52 bombers during the First Gulf War in 1991, the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, the 2003 Iraq War, and this year’s Iran War.

A US Military spokesman said: ‘At approximately 1am on 26 April, a fire was detected in a vacant building at RAF Fairford; This led to the response of emergency services on base, with support from our partners from surrounding communities.

‘There have been no injuries, the fire has been brought under control and does not currently pose any risk to the essential population or local community.

‘We are grateful for the support of our local community members and services; The safety of our staff, families and surrounding communities remains our top priority.

‘An investigation has been launched and is ongoing, further information will be released as it becomes available.’