Comment: Re:I don't understand how this is possible (Score 1) 225
Based on the comments I've seen from an ex-submariner earlier in the comments on this story:
Normally, a sub has multiple fire suppression and control systems that usually make fire control a situation of "close the hatches and deprive it of oxygen".
However, during a retrofit effort, the sub's configuration is anything but normal - In many cases seawater piping that is normally sealed and full of water is empty, dry, and providing a perfect source of outside air. Many of the hatches have cables and wiring running through them to support the retrofit efforts.
e.g. this would have been far less of a problem if the ship hadn't been in the middle of a major retrofit.