Asbestos News

A barn fire in an English town has sparked concerns as the structure was made from asbestos sheeting.

Residents of the village in Dorset have been told to keep their doors and windows closed to make sure that no asbestos fibers get into their homes, according to the Bournemouth Echo.

"It is advised that if you live within the vicinity of this incident, and you smell smoke outside your property, close all windows and doors, and remain inside," a spokesperson for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service told the news source. "This is purely a precautionary measure."

Fires at buildings made of asbestos-containing materials can cause serious problems as the flames can allow the deadly mineral fibers to become airborne. The inhalation of these fibers can cause malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Witnesses told the news provider that the flames reached almost 30 feet in height. Firefighters from Swanage and Poole were at the scene to battle the blaze; they reportedly stayed near the barn overnight to ensure that it burned itself out safely.