subject: Derelict Building Is Asbestos Hotspot [print this page] A derelict building in the Friar Gate Arches area of Derbyshire was recently turned into a blazing fireball after suspected arson. However, fire-fighters were unable to access the inside of the building, which meant that putting the fire out took much longer that would normally be the case.
The fire service believe the fire was started by arsonists at 11am, but because there was a fear that the building was housing asbestos and gas cylinders, the fire crews were unable to enter and had to fight the blaze from outside. The asbestos and other dangerous chemicals were thought to be present as the area is known as a fly tipping hotspot, and the danger was further enhanced as there was only one route in and out of the building, meaning the danger to the fire crews was too much of a risk.
The fire team took ten hours to put out the fire, and during this time a hundred metre exclusion zone was put in place to protect others in the area in case the fire grew or toxic gases were released, and even once the blaze was put out the fire team stayed in the area until later in the evening.
Whilst the fire was still raging it was all on hands on deck with much of the Derbyshire fire service dedicated to this one incident, working in four-hour shifts, changing crews throughout the day.
Unfortunatley, this was not the first arson incident at the Friar Gate Arches, as it has frequently been targeted in the past, with this latest attack prompting local businesses to call for a tightening up of security in the area.
Derbyshire police and the Environment Agency were made aware of the incident, with many suggesting there needs to be a combined effort to change the security and appearance of the area.
by: Jess O'Neal
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