Walt if it's literally "nuclear" then that demands some kind of fire-like radiation effect, which is kind of a big can of worms to open, both technically (need support for multiple kinds of fires) and design (how does radiation work?
off-topic: more-fire a pandora's box?
Currently (0.14.x), fire is a unique effect in its own render layer, indicator, and controlled by fire-specific parameters. It would be a deviously-delicious-can-of-worms if fire effect were converted to a moddable anti-crew event/effect type, similar to triggers or hit effects, with counter-event/effect mechanism.
Cosmoteer already has a versatile hit effect system -- maybe adding a HitCrew group?! On 2nd thought, , there might be a humane/rating factor in design decision where crew mortality is concerned.
Once the ground work is laid, additional crew event/effect like radiation damage, stunned, emo, etc might be within reach..