The discovery of asbestos in North Bend Fire Station 87 on Thursday, Feb. 14 forced rescuers to temporarily relocate to sites where quarters were cramped, but their ability to respond to emergencies wasn’t hindered.

Testing for asbestos was in response to a report filed by a firefighter concerned that the contaminant had been stirred up during a recent kitchen remodel in the decades-old station.

Asbestos is naturally-occuring, but when it becomes airborne, it can cause respiratory disease in people exposed to it over years. Tests for airborne asbestos in the station came back negative, but asbestos dust was found on surfaces in the living area and a stairway.

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