Council issues further precautionary advice over asbestos concerns in wake of major Waterford fire
Waterford Fire Services remain at the scene of the devastating fire, which engulfed large sections of Tycor Business Centre - known as the Old Jute Factory in Waterford city.
Waterford City and County Council issued more detailed advice to members of the Waterford public this afternoon in the wake of the devastating fire at the Old Jute Factory in Tycor in the city and concerns over asbestos, which is understood to have been in the roof of the building.
The major fire at the Tycor Business Centre commercial premises - formerly the Jute Factory - was brought under control by Waterford Fire Services on Sunday. The fire broke out at the old Jute Factory at approximately 6.40pm on Saturday evening (May 9).
While no casualties are reported, the building was extensively damaged and fire service operations will continue at the site throughout the coming days.
Waterford City and County Council is advising that the streets within the immediate vicinity of the Jute Factory site; Morrisons’s Avenue, Griffith Place and Tycor Avenue will remain closed until further notice. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as operations continue.
Meanwhile, public health advice is that those not resident in the immediate vicinity should avoid the area.
As additional precautionary measures, members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site are advised to:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Do not touch, move or remove any debris, ash or soot deposits
- Do not dry sweep dust or debris
- Do not use power washers or similar equipment, which may disturb debris
- If necessary, dampen down surface dust particles with a light dousing of water.
- Do not mow grass until further notice
- Rewash any clothing that may have been left outdoors during the fire
- Wash hands thoroughly after any outdoor activities
The Council emphasised that it is important "not to disturb or aerosolise particles".
The Council further stated: "If you think you are experiencing health effects, please seek medical attention.
"Those with respiratory or heart disease should take extra precautions to avoid smoke.
"Those in the immediate vicinity should avoid exercising outdoors."
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council's Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20.
