By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CONCERNED residents in Emerald can breathe a little easier because clean-up crews have begun clearing the remains of an asbestos-filled home which was left in ruins after a blaze took hold three weeks ago.
The fire, which happened in the early hours of the morning on Thursday 14 August, broke the asbestos in the Kings Road house which is within walking distance to the local school, kindergarten, sporting oval and town centre.
“I was concerned and rang the council to ask about the asbestos,” neighbour and mother of one Kerri Griggs said.
“People are coming over to pick up the asbestos in my yard soon.
“Bits have fallen off from the roof, not loads, but I have been concerned about my daughter playing outside and picking up the asbestos.”
Cardinia Shire Council’s Manager for Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson said: “The property was secured during this time and orders were issued to the owner to ensure public safety.”
Licensed asbestos removalists began the clean up on Friday 5 September.
“Fingers crossed by the end of the day it’s all clean and people in the street can relax,” said the home’s owner Ashley Stewart.
“I have been concerned about the asbestos and wish it could have happened sooner.
“It’s made me uncomfortable and I’m sure it’s made my neighbours uncomfortable too.”
Mr Stewart was the only person home during the time of the blaze which took hold of the front part of the 1950s style cottage where his children’s bedrooms are located.
While it is unclear what started the blaze, Mr Stewart said it may have been caused by the open fire area in the front of the house and is lucky to have escaped.
“I was trapped in the house, woken up by the exploding asbestos roof.
“Thankfully the key was in the deadlock in the backdoor… if it wasn’t, I was a goner.
“I got into the backyard and remember very little from the next eight hours.
“I remember being in hospital because they thought I had smoke inhalation,” he said.
Ms Griggs was disappointed to learn the local police station was closed during the time of the incident which meant Pakenham emergency crews about 25 kilometres away had to respond to the incident.
“The Emerald Police Station was closed so it took police half an hour to attend the incident. They came all the way from Pakenham.
“I am disappointed that they have spent a lot of money on the brand new building which closes in the evening.
“I was going to go to a local councillor and talk to them about that,” Ms Griggs said.
Mr Jackson said the site will be reviewed after the clean up “by a qualified practitioner to confirm the property is clear of asbestos”.
