Although the fire released a lot of lead, making it necessary for researchers to don protective clothing and abide by procedures to avoid lead toxicity
This seems to be a common misconception --- lead has a high boiling point and (unlike e.g. mercury) basically zero vapour pressure at atmospheric temperatures and pressure. To be around while the fire was still burning would be dangerous, but after it's cool it won't be releasing any lead vapours. Those working in electronics will know this.