All-clear for residents after blaze sparks asbestos scare

FIRE crews investigating a blaze at a derelict nursery yesterday have reassured the public there was no asbestos on the site.

Residents living near the empty community building in West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, were advised to stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed after concerns had been raised about the presence of asbestos.

Emergency services were called to the incident, which is being treated as suspicious by police, shortly before 8pm on Sunday.

But David Mackie, group manager for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said no trace of the substance had been found.

He said: "There was a large amount of smoke at the time and we initially suspected there may be some asbestos involved in the fire because of the age of the building.

"We have since confirmed there is no asbestos involved."