The Department of Environmental Services is investigating whether any air-protection measures were violated when several buildings at the Balsams were burned down as part of a renovation.
The fires took place on January 6th and destroyed a large dormitory and a second building once used to produce rubber and latex products.
Three North Country fire departments used the burn as a training exercise.
The fire also saved money for the new owners who wanted to demolish the buildings as part of a planned renovation.
But the Air Resources section of the Department of Environmental Services is “gathering information regarding the circumstances,” of the fires, says Tim Drew, a spokesman for the department.
State regulations allow such training exercises. But concerns over air quality – including particulate emissions - require the prior removal of asbestos, lamps that may contain mercury, paint, solvents and furnishings not needed for the training.
A spokesman for the new owners couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
For Colebrook Chronicle video of the buildings burning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB5LH7pHZBs&list=UU5gZSWGadouX_Na_UfBt6Nw&index=10
