Fire in Smith Steel Casting, an East Texas building has increased the risk of asbestos exposure in the area. Apart from being a steel casting building, it also held significance as a historic structure. It is reported that the neighbors noticed smoke coming out from the building around 6:48 pm. However, by the time fire department was called, it was already late for fire fighters to save the massive structure of 3,500 to 4,000 feet.
All the three Marshall stations brought in their personnel and equipment to the site to save whatever they could, according to City Fire Marshall Reggie Cooper. Cooper says that they had a hard time saving whatever they could and terms it as total loss. Moreover, the fire spread very rapidly from one end of the building to another and all the forces combined were unable to save it. Due to a large stack of old papers, it took very little for the fire to spread quickly.
Cooper further adds that the building owners are steeping up security and the fire department is also taking extra precautions due to unsafe structure of the place. Also, the interior steel members of the building are sagging and the metal roof may collapse any time, thus people are asked to stay away from the place.
Cooper also adds that the building is very dangerous right now as it is full of asbestos. People have been warned to stay away from asbestos for sake of their own safety. Asbestos is a very deadly mineral and can lead to mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
