Residents living near the site of a major industrial fire in Bracknell have been urged not to clean up debris found on their homes, gardens or vehicles because of possible asbestos concerns.
Bracknell Forest Council said updated advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned there may be a “low public health risk” linked to debris from the blaze at the Daler Rowney site off Peacock Lane.
The fire broke out earlier this week and prompted a large emergency response, with nearby residents advised to keep windows and doors closed because of the smoke plume.
Officials said the building involved in the fire may have had a cement roof containing asbestos, which could have been released in smoke and deposited in ash or debris nearby.
Residents in the immediate area have now been told to leave any remaining debris untouched as a precaution.
The council said the updated advice was issued on Thursday afternoon after concerns were raised by residents who reported finding small amounts of debris in their gardens.
The UKHSA said the overall health risk remained low and there was “unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos” following fires involving asbestos-containing materials.
However, it added that any suspected asbestos debris should be professionally removed to minimise potential exposure.
As a precaution, Bracknell Forest Council said teams would visit properties within a 200m radius of the smoke plume on Friday morning to assess whether professional clean-up work was needed and to offer advice to residents.
