10 Dec 2020

Ponsonby Intermediate fire: asbestos debris warning

5:52 pm on 10 December 2020

Residents living near Ponsonby Intermediate are being told to take care after asbestos was discovered in the roof of a building that caught fire.

A fire-damaged building at  Ponsonby Intermediate school.

A fire-damaged building at Ponsonby Intermediate school. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook

The computer room went up in flames on Tuesday and weather conditions saw debris spread up to 100m along some roads.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service said any risk was low, and safety measures were in place.

"The Ministry of Education has taken steps to ensure the school site is safe and is arranging for appropriate demolition and removal of the building's remains," said Dr Denise Barnfather, in a statement.

"Contractors have also removed debris from the street and footpaths and the road is being flushed."

However, anyone passing through Ponsonby, especially with pets or children, need to be vigilant for any debris.

"Our advice, if you find any material you think may be asbestos, is to ensure that children and pets don't pick it up, and to call council to dispose of it appropriately."

Locals should clean away residue on their homes with a damp cloth, while wearing a dispoable mask and gloves.

All cloths and cleaning materials should be sealed in two seperate plastic bags for disposal.

Any clothes that smell of smoke should be rewashed and footwear should be left outside.

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