Wickham fire: About 200 people remain displaced from homes amid asbestos concern a week after blaze at former Annie Street woolsheds

Feared asbestos fallout from the woolsheds' roofs - made from Super Six - has sparked a reporting and clean-up operation after wind blew potentially contaminated debris to the west, across Wickham, Islington and Maryville.

It came as demolition of the former woolsheds - which were home to more than a dozen businesses - continued.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority said yesterday that 200 people had been offered temporary accommodation while the clean-up took place "to ensure they can return safely to their homes".

"Homes that have been registered with the EPA via its Environment Line as having potential contamination are being assessed by [Fire ad Rescue NSW]," an EPA spokesperson said.

"Once an assessment is completed by FRNSW, the EPA will communicate with residents about how contaminants or debris will be removed."

THE WICKHAM BLAZE:

A public meeting about the clean-up will be held later this week.

The Newcastle Herald reported last week that nearby residents were concerned that potentially contaminated material was sitting around their homes - in driveways, roof gutters and on the roads in their neighbourhoods where it was at risk of being run over by passing traffic and putting fibres into the air.

Islington Public School students and staff yesterday had their first day of classes across five other school premises, where they have been taken in until the broader community is clear of asbestos concern.

The EPA said monitoring had found no asbestos in the air at Wickham so far.

"The safety of residents is paramount as the clean-up progresses," the EPA spokesperson said.

"The clean-up will continue to focus first on homes and public areas that have been most affected by debris.

"The Soque Apartments and Avenue Apartments on Milford Street have been significantly impacted by fire debris and contamination. All residents from these apartments were invited to attend a meeting and were provided with an update on the clean-up.

"Road closures and detours are still in place as FRNSW demolishes the Wool Store building. Islington Park remains closed to the public as the clean-up continues."

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