News Summary

A serious fire in Chudleigh, Devon raised alarms about asbestos safety in older buildings after a barn was destroyed.

Devon Barn Blaze Sparks Asbestos Safety Concerns

A serious fire incident on Sunday, March 30, has brought forth concerns regarding asbestos safety in buildings following the total destruction of a barn in Chudleigh, Devon. The fire engulfed the barn—an old structure with an asbestos roof—prompting emergency services to take swift action to control the situation.

Witnesses reported that the fire ignited shortly before 4pm, originating from an out-of-control bonfire that quickly spread to two nearby outbuildings. Upon arrival, fire crews found the barn fully ablaze, prompting the deployment of eight fire engines to the scene. Firefighters employed both water jets and compressed air foam in their efforts to extinguish the flames, ensuring that safety procedures were strictly adhered to, particularly concerning the risk presented by the asbestos roofing material.

Regrettably, the barn, which was primarily utilized for storing household items, was lost to the flames completely, with only one nearby building sustaining approximately 20% damage. By 3:59 pm, firefighters confirmed the completion of operations at the scene, marking an end to the intensive effort to contain the blaze.

Asbestos: A Hidden Danger in Many Structures

This fire incident not only highlights the immediate dangers posed by uncontrolled blazes but also raises alarm about the presence of asbestos in older buildings. Asbestos is known to pose significant health risks when fibers become airborne, leading to severe illnesses including mesothelioma and other forms of lung disease.

Authorities are likely to undertake comprehensive evaluations of similar structures in the region to avert further risks. Property owners are encouraged to consider professional assessments of any buildings with asbestos materials, ensuring that safety measures are in place should any accidents occur.

Search for Missing Man Ends in Tragedy

In other distressing news from the Devon area, the search for 55-year-old Fabio Pedranzini, who went missing while holidaying in Hayle, Cornwall, ended with the discovery of a body in the Godrevy area on March 23. Although the death is not considered suspicious, formal identification has yet to take place. Fabio’s family has been notified of this unfortunate development, which adds to the sorrow in the region.

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