Now US Air Force launches probe into mystery fire which broke out at RAF base used for Iran strikes

Peter Stevens
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:59:49 +0000

The US Air Force has launched a probe into a fire which broke out at an RAF base that houses bombers which strike Iran.

Several crews were deployed from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday morning.

No RAF personnel were involved in firefighting efforts as what was claimed to be a commissary building had smoke billow out of its roof.

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.

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"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 were called at 1.52am to the scene of the fire.

Photographs of the scene showed a large smoke plume in the early morning sky as multiple fire engines battled the blaze.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the fire was within a wire in "an old or disused building".

RAF Fairford is one of two bases in Europe capable of hosting all three long-range American bombers - the B-1, B-2 and B-52 - and has been used for defensive operations against Iran since March.

Donald Trump criticised Sir Keir Starmer for being slow to allow the US to use RAF Fairford and joint base Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands, which was set to be ceded to Mauritius before the President retracted his support.

Iran's military has threatened strikes on British bases in the past, saying they could be considered legitimate targets.

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Local anti-war protesters criticised the move to allow the US to strike Iran from the airbase, with around 200 demonstrators gathering outside the airfield on Saturday.

Protesters walked through the town to the RAF base with placards reading "no war on Iran", "US out of British bases", and "Stop Trump's deadly wars".

Roads were closed with residents told to expect disruption.

Locals near to the base have said their homes shake when American bombers like the infamously loud B-1 and B‑52 fly overhead.

Some people, however, have enjoyed the US presence at the base, with planespotters hoping to catch a glimpse of a US bomber arriving at the base.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday: "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."