Fire Hits Vacant Connecticut Factory
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. --
Sunday, fire crews returned to the old Remington Arms Ammunition Plant to douse hot spots.
The plant went up in flames Saturday. Crews have begun to demolish parts of the burnt-out building, but the whole process could take several days, according to the fire department.
Environmental officials will look into whether asbestos and lead burned too. The DEP and EPA have been out at the site testing air quality.
The city estimates damages and clean-up costs right now are around $11 million.
Fire investigators are still trying to determine a cause. Mayor Bill Finch says vandals have been known to set fires to the building. Finch also says the owner owes the city millions in back taxes.
The Mayor released a statement over the weekend stating:
"Since I took office in 2007, we have been aggressively pursuing the owner of this building to pay his back taxes and to get the building torn down.
"The building is a public health hazard in its current condition. Vandals are setting fires in the building, endangering public safety, nearby homes and businesses and, most importantly, the lives of our firefighters.
"My Administration will employ all available legal means to seize immediate control of this site to eliminate all avoidable health and safety risks."
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