Specialist contractors are continuing clean-up operations following a major fire at a former convent in St Leonards, East Sussex, after asbestos-containing materials were identified within the damaged building.
The fire broke out on Thursday evening at the disused College of the Holy Child Jesus on Magdalen Road. Emergency services responded quickly, and while the fire has now been brought under control, specialist teams remain on site to safely manage asbestos debris.
Air Quality Found To Be Safe
Following environmental assessments, local authorities confirmed that no airborne asbestos fibres were detected in the surrounding area. This allowed a nearby school to reopen safely after precautionary checks were completed.
Although the air quality has been declared safe, asbestos containing materials remain within fire-damaged debris. Residents have been advised not to handle any debris that may have landed on their property and to report concerns to the relevant authorities.
Specialist Asbestos Removal Underway
Contractors are carrying out a phased clean-up programme, beginning with surrounding roads before moving on to affected private properties where necessary. The work is being undertaken using specialist asbestos management procedures to ensure contaminated materials are collected, transported and disposed of safely.
The incident serves as a reminder that asbestos can remain present in many older buildings, particularly those constructed or refurbished before the year 2000.
Understanding The Risk
Asbestos is generally considered low risk when left undisturbed. However, incidents such as fires, demolition work or accidental damage can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres over time can lead to serious health conditions, making professional assessment and remediation essential whenever asbestos-containing materials are suspected.
Emergency services have advised that brief, one-off exposure is unlikely to present a significant health risk, but damaged asbestos materials should always be treated with caution and left to trained specialists.
What Can Property Owners Learn From This incident?
Fires involving older buildings can expose hidden asbestos-containing materials, creating additional challenges during clean-up and demolition. Before carrying out refurbishment, demolition or remediation work, it's essential to establish whether asbestos is present through the appropriate survey. Professional management helps protect workers, occupants and the public while ensuring compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
How Bradley Environmental Can Help
Bradley Environmental is one of the leading Asbestos Consultants in the UK offering a range of Asbestos Risk Management and Removal Services. We advise our clients on the most efficient and economically advantageous way to manage asbestos, without compromising on safety issues.
For more information on the services we provide, email us at