New Information Released On Frozen West Philly Building Headed For Demolition
By Tim Jimenez, Jan Carabeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The Fire Marshal is set to release findings today on a blaze that tore through a West Philadelphia building earlier this week.
So far, investigators say the cause of the fire has not been determined.
The building is now encased in ice and city officials fear it could collapse, calling it imminently dangerous, so demolition could start as early as today.
Top to bottom, this fire-ravaged three-story commercial building at 52nd and Locust is in a shell of ice, leaving residents in awe.
"It's just weird to see it like that because now it just looks like an ice sculpture."
L & I says the owner is working with his insurance company and adjuster to seek a qualified demolition contractor to demolish the property.
"What we call a very sensitive demolition," Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison says. "Obviously it's going to be even more tricky because of the ice conditions inside. But this would normally call for a combination of people going in, taking it down, making it safe, and bringing in some equipment."
Officials say the property has no open violations.