Daler-Rowney Fire Debris Tests Positive for Asbestos

Debris from the Daler-Rowney fire on Bank Holiday Monday has tested positive for white asbestos, which can cause cancer.

Bracknell Forest Council confirmed on 12 June that testing found white asbestos within material thrown up by the blaze in Peacock Lane.

"Debris samples, following the fire at Daler-Rowney's manufacturing site on 25 May, have been analysed and preliminary results received.

"The debris samples from one zone has detected asbestos (Chrysotile) while samples for the other zone did not detect asbestos. Affected residents have been informed directly.

"The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advice remains unchanged and the risk to public health from asbestos remains low. Residents in the affected area have been given guidance on any actions necessary."

White asbestos (chrysotile) is the most common form, accounting for roughly 95 per cent of all asbestos used globally.

At the height of the fire 15 fire engines and specialist hazardous materials teams were deployed, led by area manager Tim Readings. Police, ambulance services, environmental bodies and health agencies were also involved in what officials described as a "complex and challenging" operation.

There were no casualties. Operational decisions were guided by hazardous materials advice, plume modelling and assessments with the UKHSA, allowing services to judge risks and tell residents when it was safe to return.

However, environmental impact is a focus. An estimated 2,000-3,000 tonnes of water used to tackle the blaze ran off the site and flowed west into surrounding land and drainage linked to The Cut river. The Bracknell News photographed blue paint in a brook the day after the fire.

The council says there is currently no indication of ongoing pollution. The Environment Agency is monitoring remediation, and Daler-Rowney has been instructed to manage and remove any remaining contaminated fire‑water safely.

A Recovery Coordination Group led by Bracknell Forest Council is overseeing environmental monitoring, remediation work and public health advice with partner agencies. Specialist contractors remain on site carrying out pumping operations and further meetings are planned.

Residents are being kept informed directly and via the council's incident webpage. Authorities say they will continue to share findings and review the response to learn lessons from this major incident.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter