Officials are proceeding with caution over the planned demolition of a Mount Vernon chemical warehouse after a massive fire Friday.
The Department of Buildings has said the structure must be torn down, but admits that volatile chemicals inside might pose a problem at the South Fulton Avenue building. Fire officials have also expressed concerns.
"Three of the four outside walls of the structure are unstable and we wouldn't want anyone to get hurt. At this time, we've been very fortunate. We've only had one minor injury," said Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Al Everett.
The demolition may take up to two weeks. The cleanup continues at the site, and the county health department has deemed the air in the area safe despite chemicals filling the sky during the fire. The mayor's office is also closely monitoring the situation.
Investigators have expressed doubt about whether they will ever determine the cause of the intense flames.