Emergency declared at South Carolina nuclear site after fire erupts at lab

A file photo shows the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. (The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

An emergency has been declared at a massive Department of Energy nuclear site in South Carolina after a fire broke out at a laboratory, officials said.

The fire ignited at the Savannah River National Laboratory at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina, around 5:39 p.m., officials said.

The incident triggered emergency response activities, but crews extinguished the fire roughly two hours after it was reported, according to SRS. 

“No contamination has been reported outside the affected facility,” officials said.

As a precaution, barricades at site entrances have been closed to incoming traffic, officials said. 

A boat drives down the Savannah River in Savannah, Georgia. (Amy Galo)

Traffic via rail, river, and air near the SRS vicinity were also placed under restriction.  

Employees in areas affected by the incident who are not involved in emergency response or shutdown operations have been directed to shelter in place as a precaution.

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SRS officials are directing response efforts and relevant state and local government agencies have been notified. 

Local residents are advised to monitor local radio and television stations for updates and any instructions from state officials.