Asbestos danger at blaze

FIREFIGHTERS were forced to wear breathing apparatus to protect against deadly asbestos fibres when they tackled a fire in a derelict garage.

Emergency crews from Oldham and Chadderton attended the blaze in an open area in Duchess Road, Crompton, last night.

The fire, which was started deliberately, was brought under control, but firefighters had to take extra care when the heat cracked the corrugated cement asbestos roof.

Firefighters isolated the area and environmental health services were alerted.