FIREFIGHTERS tackling a warehouse blaze in the early hours of Sunday had to isolate asbestos that was discovered within roof tiles.
Crews were called to Central Grange Environmental Recycling, Merton Bank Road, at about 3.45am on Sunday, where a fire was tearing through a 100m x 20m building containing wood and plastic.
Five fire engines and an aerial platform were brought in as crews fought the blaze aggressively to bring it under control and prevent it spreading.
The roof was found to contain asbestos within its tiles and a small number had shattered due to radiated heat.
Crews contained the damaged tiles to a very small area and firefighters involved in the operation had to be decontaminated.
Mersey Fire and Rescue Service say there was no spread of the asbestos beyond the site.
It is believed crews could be at the scene for several days as substantial quantities of materials involved in the fire need to be dug out.
A blanket of smoke hung over housing estates in Islands brow and Pocket Nook.
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