7:00pm Friday 11th May 2007
By Andy Davey
POOLE residents have been warned that they may be at risk from asbestos found in the roof of a garage which collapsed in a huge blaze.
Dozens of shops and homes in Ashley Road, in Parkstone, were evacuated on Thursday afternoon as firefighters battled to control the inferno, which threatened to engulf a gas cylinder store.
Firefighters suspect the roof of the garage contained asbestos, although the Health Protection Agency has advised that any risk to health is "expected to be minimal".
But the agency added that residents should take precautions if they see any whitish material or flakes.
"If you do see any material or flakes do not touch, break or crush it as this may release asbestos fibres," a spokesman said.
The agency added that if there are any deposits people should keep their windows and doors closed, wear gloves and use a damp cloth to wipe window sills, not a brush or vacuum cleaner.
The cloth and gloves should be sealed in a plastic bag and left outside.
Borough of Poole said it is now working with the owners of homes and businesses in the affected area to make sure it is cleaned up by a properly licensed contractor.
More than 60 firefighters from five different stations were sent to the fire, which started in a car body repair shop shortly before 2pm.
Within minutes of the fire starting, 30ft flames were seen bursting through the roof of a building just yards from the busy high street on one side, and houses behind.
Police cordoned off the area as a precaution in case the cylinders, which had not been identified at the time, were ignited.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
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