Asbestos Found In Dargaville Fire Debris

The discovery of asbestos in the debris from Dargaville’s major fire will delay clearance of the site and require the public to continue to be kept away from the area.

Kaipara District Council today (Wednesday January 7) announced that testing of the fire debris has confirmed the presence of asbestos. However the material involved is solid panel fibre which poses a lower health risk than friable (crumbly) asbestos.

Council this afternoon met with Fire Services, Northland Health, Police, insurers, the building’s owners and Department of Labour to collaboratively minimise any potential health risk.

The area will be cleared as soon as possible but, because of the asbestos, this will require specialist contractors from outside the district.

In the meantime the site will be kept continually dampened to eliminate any risk of breathable asbestos fibres becoming airborne. The area will remain cordoned to protect the public and a section of Victoria Street will stay closed.

The asbestos and unstable damaged buildings make the fire area potentially dangerous and Council is asking the public to respect the barricades and keep away.

Mayor Neil Tiller says the discovery of asbestos is disappointing and hopes it will not significantly delay reinstatement of the area.

“It is a concern and I apologise for any extra inconvenience but I am confident that the situation is being handled correctly and Council’s understanding is that the risk posed is minimal.”