Fire Officials: Albany Blaze To Burn For Days
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Albany officials say a big warehouse fire that has been billowing smoke across Interstate 787 and the Hudson River since Friday is too dangerous to fight, and will be allowed to burn itself out over several days.
The fire in the abandoned concrete building attracted hundreds of spectators and caused transportation disruptions Friday.
Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings tells the Times Union newspaper he doesn't want to risk sending firefighters into the structure, which has been vacant for 20 years.
The smoke forced transportation officials to close an exit off of I-787.
Amtrak train schedules were disrupted when a rail bridge operator had to be evacuated.
Meanwhile, state health officials Saturday said tests found no significant levels of toxic chemicals in the smoke, but urged people with pre-existing health conditions to take precautions.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
