Demolition begins on burned-out Ontario warehouse, work expected to take 2 weeks

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- Demolition of a massive burned-out warehouse began early Monday, with city officials estimating the work will take about two weeks as crews work extended daily shifts.

The city of Ontario said the project will not use taxpayer money.

"Residents and nearby businesses should expect elevated noise levels as crews work to safely separate and remove the concrete wall sections," said the city in a statement posted online.

"This work is anticipated to occur for approximately 12 hours per day over the next two weeks, though the schedule may be adjusted as work progresses.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding as the property owner and the City work together to address site conditions as safely and efficiently as possible."

Residents living near the warehouse said they have been waiting for this moment for weeks, watching as crews begin tearing down the fire-damaged building.

"It's good to see that they're moving the trailers out and things are getting back to normal," said Ramon Ortega, an Ontario resident.

Ortega said the long aftermath of the fire has taken a toll on nearby neighbors, who have dealt with lingering smoke and flare-ups since the blaze.

"The air quality has been very bad. We can't even come out of the house sometimes because of the air quality," he said.

The fire broke out April 7 and burned so intensely that firefighters were unable to prevent it from destroying the entire building. Authorities are investigating the fire as arson.

Employee Chamel Abdulkarim pleaded not guilty in April to charges of aggravated arson and is accused of posting video of himself allegedly setting fire to stacks of paper products inside the building.

Demolition of the structure is expected to be completed within two weeks. Some residents say they hope the property is not rebuilt as a warehouse.

"Why not just build a park or something," said Ortega. "Just to have the noise pollution that happened even before the fire, you could hear all these trucks moving back and forth like constantly all throughout the hours of the night. It would be nice not to have anything back, but I'm not the one who makes the decisions in the end."