Press Releases

Thanks firefighters for preventing what could have been a terrible disaster

After a fire last night aboard a nuclear submarine, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree surveyed damage and thanked first-responders at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard today.

"The real heroes today are the firefighters at the shipyard and those who came from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to put out this very dangerous fire," said Pingree. "The situation could have been much worse. We have their courageous, quick, and effective response to thank for preventing what could have been a terrible disaster. The incredible training they have gone through for situations like this has really paid off. I'm very thankful that no one was seriously injured, but I hope those who were hurt have a speedy recovery."

The fire started in a forward compartment of the USS Miami, a Los Angeles class submarine. Firefighters were first called to the scene yesterday at 5:40 p.m., and the fire was out this morning. The reactor aboard was shut down and not affected. Seven people—three shipyard firefighters, two civilian firefighters, and two crewmembers—were injured in the incident, but none seriously.

It'll likely take weeks for the shipyard to assess whether the submarine will be able to sail again.

"Incidents like this remind us why Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is so important," said Pingree. "The shipyard's workers have a world-class reputation. The yard's firefighters showed why last night, and other workers there will continue to do so in the coming months. If anyone can repair the submarine and make it operational again, it's the men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard."