May 23rd, 2005

Forty families in the Plainfield area were recently evacuated from their home following a fire at the InterRoyal Mill. Tests showed that there was evidence of lead and asbestos contamination in the area following the fire, which is why the families had to be evacuated for their own safety.

The fire marshal for the area was pretty sure that the fire had been started deliberately but stated that he was looking for more information from local residents who may have seen or heard something.

He stated, "We're looking for anyone who has early photos, early videotape of the fire, preferable before the fire department arrived, or when they first arrived. We hope this will assist in determining where the fire was burning very early on, as opposed to where it spread to."

The Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that tests had shown the presence of asbestos and lead in the air following the fire. However, departmental spokesmen also confirmed that the levels of asbestos and lead were not at dangerous levels, and the evacuation was simply a precaution.