USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728), Fire, 27 August 2003    

Submarine Fire Injures 4 in Va. Shipyard
Wed Aug 27,11:37 PM ET
U.S. National - AP

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Fire broke out Wednesday near the reactor on a nuclear submarine, slightly injuring four people but causing no major damage, officials said.

The blaze started as construction crews cut the USS Florida's hull just above the reactor compartment, officials told The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk. The fire was extinguished in about 10 minutes and did not damage any of the submarine's equipment, they said.

Four people, including a sub crew member, were treated at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center for smoke inhalation and other minor problems. All were later released.

The Navy notified state officials of the fire, the cause of which remained under investigation.

"There was never any danger to the general public or the environment,'' said Norfolk Naval Shipyard spokesman Steve Milner in a prepared statement.

The reactor had been shut down for more than two months. The submarine is undergoing a major overhaul and conversion at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, including replacement of its nuclear weapons with cruise missiles. The construction work will also make enough room to carry dozens of Special Operations forces.

In addition, the Florida will have its core reactor refueled, giving the submarine another 20 to 25 years of possible service. It was commissioned 20 years ago.