The Derbyshire fire service estimate the fire was started by arsonists late morning, but due to the chance that there were dumped asbestos and gas cylinders within the building, the fire crew was unable to enter and were forced to try and put out the flames from outside. The area is a very well known fly tipping area and it is suspected that amongst the items left there, were asbestos and other dangerous chemicals. What made the building more dangerous was the fact that the was only one entrance and exit into the large building and so evacuating the fire-fighters should it have been necessary would have posed serious risks.
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.
This is not the first time the Friar Gate Arches has been the target of arson, and there have been calls from local businesses and residents to increase the security on the area, where there are several derelict buildings.
The local police were informed of the incident, as were the Environment Agency, and many have suggested that they are working together to form an appropriate response to the incident and form an action plan going forward.
For more asbestos news head to the What's My Asbestos Claim Worth site, where asbestos experts give advice on everything frommesothlioma compensation to exposure to asbestos.
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