Asbestos debris falls in gardens after huge fire as residents issued warnings

Jon Macpherson
·2-min read
Valley Gardens has been barriered because of the asbestos from the fire
-Credit: (Image: Councillor David Whipp)


A huge clean-up operation is underway after the 'release of asbestos cement debris' into the air following a huge fire.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a blaze at the former Gospel Mission Hall on Hollins Road in Barnoldswick. Four fire crews attended the incident at around 8.20pm on Saturday (June 15) and spent around three hours tackling the blaze.

Pendle Council have now confirmed that following the fire 'there has been a release of asbestos cement debris'. Warning letters have been delivered to homes in the immediate area with advice and work has begun to 'clean the streets'.

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The council said they will also be working to 'remove any debris from gardens as soon as possible'. They are also warning residents 'not remove debris yourself or mow lawns' until officers have assessed 'any spread of debris over your property'.

Residents are being asked to grant permission to council staff to enter your garden or yard in order to carry out any potential clean-up. They said anyone knocking at your door will have appropriate identification and access should be refused to anyone unable to provide it.

In a statement, Pendle Council said: "Following a fire at Gospel Mission Hall in Barnoldswick there has been a release of asbestos cement debris. We've delivered letters to homes in the immediate area with advice.

"We’ve started to clean the streets and we’ll be working to remove any debris from gardens as soon as possible. Please do not remove debris yourself or mow lawns until we have had an opportunity to assess any spread of debris over your property.

"To do this, please allow Pendle Borough Council staff to enter your garden or yard. If needed, we will remove debris and carry out a clean-up of the area.

"Please note that anyone knocking at your door will have appropriate identification and should be refused access if they are unable to provide it. If you have any questions, please call our Environmental Health Team on 01282 661034."

LFRS said: "At 20:22 on the 15th June 2024, four fire engines from Nelson, Burnley and Colne are in attendance at a derelict building fire on Hollins Road, Barnoldswick. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used three hose reel jets and one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

"We are asking residents to stay indoors and avoid the area. If you can see or smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed.

"Crews were in attendance for three hours."

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