Residents Living Near Flour Mill Evacuated -- MesoLink.org -- 10-17-05

Locals living near to a flour mill destroyed by a fire earlier this week have been evacuated due to the risk of asbestos exposure. Fire fighters were called to the abandoned flour mill in New South Wales on Friday. By the time they got to the mill on Logan Street the building was engulfed in flames.

Because asbestos had been fitted on the site, all residents within 500 meters of the mill were evacuated until it could be determined that it was safe for them to return to their homes. The mill closed down about a decade ago, and officials are treating the fire as suspicious. Forensics have been called to examine the site to determine what may have happened.

A spokesperson said: "At this stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious, with inquiries underway by detectives from the Barwon Local Area Command." More information will be available after forensics have been to the site and examined the area.

Police have also warned locals in the area to clear any debris from the fire, from their homes and vehicles as soon as possible, and also to flush their water tanks and disconnect them from the house gutters.