Cops: Rogue Salvage Crew Sparked Albany Blaze

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Police say a rogue salvage crew's metal cutting saw sparked the blaze that burned for days at a massive former warehouse in Albany.

They say the crew had been contracted to remove pipe from the vacant Central Warehouse, but that deal ended in June and they were illegally scavenging in the 11-story building before the fire started Friday afternoon.

Investigators say a demolition saw throwing off sparks apparently ignited cork insulation and fire spread throughout the 83-year-old structure.

Officials decided to let the building burn because it wasn't safe inside for firefighters. The blaze was declared out Monday.

Police say Thursday the salvage crew stole and sold 200,000 pounds of pipe valued at more than $26,000 since July.

One of the men has been charged with burglary, grand larceny and criminal mischief.

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