Firefighters forced to retreat in Leeds farm fire

Fire crews had to pull back as they attempted to tackle a barn blaze in Temple Newsam, East Leeds last Sunday due to the risks posed by asbestos.

The situation arose after the roof of the barn, located in the grounds of a historic property, collapsed, which caused asbestos to fall into the flames.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Fire Service said:

“The majority of the roof was not asbestos but there was asbestos cement which contaminated the straw.

“In addition the site is structurally unsafe. So the firefighters could not go in to put the fire out because of the asbestos and because the building is unsafe.”

The fire began on the Sunday but was still being controlled by firefighters on Thursday.

At the height of the blaze, fire crews from nine West Yorkshire fire stations were involved in tackling this fire.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said:

“The fire is under control but is still active and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service remain at the scene.

“Part of the roof structure of the barn did contain some asbestos which has been assessed and is of low-risk grade, and all parties involved are proceeding with the necessary caution to reduce the impact of the damage in order for the clean-up operation to begin as soon possible.

“The farm remains closed to the public.”