Emergency Declared at South Carolina Nuclear Site After Laboratory Fire

An emergency was declared at the Department of Energy’s nuclear site in South Carolina following a laboratory fire. The incident at the Savannah River Site (SRS) led to a Site Area Emergency being declared. This occurred at 5:39 p.m. on Wednesday at the Savannah River National Laboratory near Aiken, South Carolina.

The emergency status ended by 9:45 p.m. when the fire was extinguished. Radiological surveys showed no contamination levels. One employee sustained minor injuries and received hospital treatment, according to a Department of Energy spokesperson.

Incident Details

Officials reported no radiological contamination. All protective measures and barricades were lifted. Oncoming shift workers were instructed to report as usual. Other employees were advised to resume work on Thursday, Oct. 29. Highway 125 remained open throughout, although site entrances were temporarily controlled.

SRS initially restricted rail, river, and air traffic near the area. Officials maintained communication with state and local governments. Residents were informed to monitor updates via radio and TV.

Background on Savannah River Site

The SRS is integral to the U.S. weapons complex, contributing to the military’s strategic deterrence efforts for over 75 years. It handles nuclear materials and radioactive waste with ongoing cleanup operations for environmental protection.

Originally constructed in the 1950s, the site included five reactors for producing nuclear materials used in weapons. The materials mainly produced are tritium and plutonium-239. Support facilities at the site also feature chemical separation plants. The SRS is recognized as one of the safest significant industrial sites globally.