Asbestos News
UK firefighters take precautions when fighting fire at asbestos-containing structure
Firefighters in the UK were forced to take extra precautions when fighting a fire at an abandoned garage to protect themselves from asbestos.The fire started at the structure in Kingston and firefighters needed to be called back after it was discovered that the garage was partially made of asbestos, according to the Surrey Comet.
Watch manager Jeff Hall explained the situation to the news source.
"The awkward thing about [it] was as soon as we started our firefighting operation it was determined it was made of asbestos and we had to retreat on a 25-meter exclusion zone," he said.
About an hour after the retreat, four firefighters wearing special breathing devices were able to put out the blaze.
Fires in asbestos-containing structures are dangerous not only to the men and women fighting the blaze but to those in the nearby area as well because the flames can cause debris to become airborne and be spread throughout the area. The inhalation of these mineral fibers can cause a number of diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Kingston Council's environmental health entity is currently working to find the owner of the garage, according to the news source.
4/18/11
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