Auckland Blaze Leads to Closure of School Due to Asbestos Hazard
Mountain View School in Māngere Bridge had to close its doors after a substantial fire that took place on Thursday morning. The fire, which involved multiple houses on Coronation Road, prompted the closure of the school due to concerns about potential asbestos exposure resulting from the burning buildings.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received numerous calls about multiple houses engulfed in flames on Coronation Road at around 2:58 am. A firefighter on-site mentioned that the fire affected five structures, including an older building where asbestos exposure might be a risk due to its age.
Public health officials
from Te Whatu Ora were evaluating the asbestos risk to the local community
following the fire's extinguishment. They highlighted the possibility of
asbestos release into the air due to the age of the destroyed buildings.
Do You Actually Require Asbestos Air Quality Testing
Auckland Blaze Leads to Closure of School Due to Asbestos Hazard
Efforts were underway to
conduct a thorough assessment of the asbestos risk, involving site sampling and
testing in collaboration with Auckland Council. Medical officer Dr. Denise
Barnfather advised nearby schools—Mountain View School, OneSchool Global, and
Tadpoles ELS—to keep children indoors until the asbestos risk was assessed.
Firefighters worked to
dampen down areas near the fire site to minimize the spread of asbestos fibers.
Despite the low risk due to calm winds and these preventive measures, caution
was advised for properties in Māngere Bridge.
All individuals were
reported safe, and evacuees found temporary shelter at a nearby Samoan church,
Siasi Tokaikolo ‘ia Kalaisi - ‘Api ko Nasaleti. Efforts were made to contain
the fire, with fire service personnel using ladders and water blasts to
extinguish it, especially at the back of the Samoan church, close to a daycare
center.
The affected houses were
part of the church, impacting four families who sought refuge in the church
until alternate housing arrangements could be made. Reverend Savaiinaea,
awakened by the commotion, ensured the safety of those within the church,
offering shelter to those displaced.
Emergency crews from
various locations were present to manage the situation, while police provided
assistance with traffic control and evacuations as a precautionary measure.
This incident followed
another significant fire at the Pinehill Transfer Station in Auckland's North
Shore, indicating a series of challenges that required substantial firefighting
efforts.
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