Historic rooming house demolished after devastating fire
An early December fire destroyed a rooming house in New Bedford, Massachusetts that had been built in 1843. An engineering firm surveyed the house and found that it was structurally unsound, which made it a public safety issue. The fire and water damage was so extensive that the property owner said it will be virtually impossible to bring up to code, so it is going to be demolished by a private contractor. Asbestos, heating oil and other hazardous materials were removed from the structure in mid-December.
The fire appeared to be caused by human factors, but investigators were still unsure whether it was accidental or intentional. Two dogs died in the fire, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.
For the full story, go to South Coast Today.
