Demolition at the Farmland plant is slowly moving ahead despite problems with flare-ups and hot spots, said Albert Lea Fire Chief Rich Sydnes.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Demolition at the Farmland plant is slowly moving ahead despite problems with flare-ups and hot spots, said Albert Lea Fire Chief Rich Sydnes.

&uot;Farmland’s people are moving ahead on getting some of the debris out of there. They’re still at it with the front-end loader, but it’s slow work,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m feeling a lot better now that they’ve started.&uot;

Sydnes said persistent hot spots caused two recent flare-ups – one on Sunday evening and one early Tuesday morning. Both fires required department assistance and prompted Kieger Emergency Response Services, the company in charge of the scene, to hire a few extra firefighters as a precaution.

&uot;It has been so dry, and those hot spots have had time to rekindle some of the material,&uot; Sydnes said. &uot;It’s good to have some guys ready to jump on another flare-up. I know they’ve already taken care of a number of hot spots.&uot;

Workers are still spraying water on the structure, partly to suppress a few remaining hot spots and partly to keep the dust under control, Sydnes said.

&uot;I know the dust and smoke is making it tough,&uot; he said.

Officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency arrived this week to consult during the demolition, Sydnes said.

&uot;That could be slowing them down a little, too,&uot; he said.