A COUNCILLOR has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of a blaze on a Carlisle industrial estate.

The community was told to close doors and windows and stay away from the area as a fire ripped through an industrial unit on the Rockcliffe Estate near Kingmoor Park in Carlisle on Monday.

Firefighters said the building which was on fire contained 500 tonnes of mixed waste including plastics and wood, which has led to Councillor Helen Davison, who represents the Green Party, to raise concerns about the potential for 'toxic chemicals' to be released.

She said: "I think it is difficult to know what the impact will be on the environment without knowing exactly what was burning.

"Even under control it still produces toxic chemicals. What happens to them?

"It's a huge concern at what is being stored in these buildings which are made with asbestos.

"We don't know what plastic was burning and what waste was burning; all of these create toxic waste and greenhouse gases."

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service was gearing up for a full investigation into the fire after crews officially handed the site back to the owners once the situation had been brought under control.

At the height of the blaze, members of the public were warned to keep their windows and doors closed amid fears the building contained asbestos.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the fire in Carlisle and police were on hand to help, while United Utilities provided a water bowser so firefighters had access to a constant supply.

Unable to enter the old building because of the danger, crews dedicated their time to keeping the public safe.

The call came at about 9am on Monday and firefighters spent hours at the site keeping it under control.

Station manager Owen McCarney said: “It was a long day but our main purpose was to keep the public and our crews safe.

“We have now handed the site back over to the owners and we will be carrying out a full investigation this week.

“It was too dangerous for crews to enter the old building at the time.

"Now it is no longer a risk but we were worried about the asbestos risk.

“The building was full of about 500 tonnes of mixed waste including plastics and wood.”