Asbestos Warning for Residents Near Ponsonby Middle School After Fire

Health officials are warning people close to Auckland’s Ponsonby Middle School to be more careful after asbestos was found on a roof that caught fire earlier this week.

The “fierce” fire broke out at Auckland Central School on Tuesday.

The fire occurred in a building that had asbestos on its roof, officials with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) now say.

They said fire and weather conditions spread some debris up to 100 meters along one of the neighboring roads, Sheehan St.

Dr. Denise Barnfather, ARPHS Medical Health Officer, said any risk was very low and that several steps had already been taken to protect people’s health.

“The Ministry of Education has taken steps to ensure that the school site is safe and is making the necessary arrangements for the demolition and removal of the remains of the building,” he said.

“Contractors have also removed debris from the streets and trails and the road is being cleared.”

Barnfather said that while asbestos is known to have harmful health effects, this occurs only after high-level exposure for long periods of time.

She said that since the fire was a unique incident and asbestos fibers are contained within the roofing material, the risk to public health is considered very low.

“But if you’re passing through that neighborhood, especially if you’re walking with pets or children, it’s important to be on the lookout for debris that may have come out of the fire.

“Our advice, if you come across any material that you think may be asbestos, is to make sure children and pets don’t pick it up, and call City Hall to dispose of it properly.”

The Town Hall number to call is 09301 0101.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service has already provided public health advice to local residents in the Sheehan St area who were downwind and hardest hit by Tuesday’s fire.