At the start of shipyard periods, they will have unloaded just about all embarked equipment, the planes would be based elsewhere nearby, fuel stock unloaded to

At the start of shipyard periods, they will have unloaded just about all embarked equipment, the planes would be based elsewhere nearby, fuel stock unloaded to minimum levels, all ammunition stores unloaded, the spaces to be worked on would be cleared in abidance with fire safety procedures. Nevertheless, there's always a risk... This is just definitely the most dramatic accident in a long time. In answer to another comment, it won't get to the point of replacing the ship unless by some crazy chance the fire continues so long as to be catastrophic. Each ship of this class costs billions. Repairs will be more effective almost too the point of actual hull compromise.