January 16th, 2007

A number of residents in Australia have been evacuated after a fire that resulted in smoke and toxic pollution from asbestos sheeting. The fire took place at a derelict factory the inner west area of Melbourne, and the factory went up in flames in the early hours of the morning.

Following the fire, police had to evacuate residents from the industrial complex, which is located in the Kensington area, amidst concerns about the level of asbestos smoke and pollution stemming from the asbestos sheeting at the factory.

Cranes had to be used by the fire department in order to put out the fire at the factory, and around 70 fire fighters battled with the blaze for about an hour and a half before getting it under control. The road was also blocked off to stop traffic, although it was re-opened a little later on the same day.

The asbestos sheeting was located on the roof of the factory, and fire fighters wearing protective gear advised other nearby residents to ensure that they stayed inside and kept windows shut until the situation was under control.