18 Feb - Fire at Maldon heating firm raises asbestos fears

Thursday, 18 Feb 2010

A fire in a warehouse building containing heating equipment in Essex has raised fears of asbestos being released in to the surrounding area.

Police are advising residents living close to the building in Galliford Road in Maldon to keep their windows closed.

Inflammable gas canisters are believed to be on the premises and a 200m (650ft) exclusion zone has been set up.

Nearby properties have been evacuated affecting about 80 people and several surrounding roads have been closed off.

Firefighters are tackling flames in the roof over the warehouse and a workshop.

Source: BBC News Feb 2010