Fire Fighters Want Building Demolished, City Says No

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) –  A vacant commercial building damaged by fire will not be demolished today despite a request from fire fighters.

The fire was reported just before 6:30 this morning at the building on Martin Luther King Boulevard.  The building has been vacant and fire fighters call it an eyesore.  And they should know.  Their station is right across the street.

"The building is known for transients, squatters that come inside here," said Sac City Fire Captain Jonathan Burgess.

Fire fighters say today's fire was started by a homeless man on the second floor.

"Right now fire fighters are making sure the fire is out, then we'll call dangerous buildings and hopefully have this building demolished," said Burgess.

But that didn't happen.  Sacramento building inspectors say there is no immediate need to tear it down.

"It would have to warrant a structural failure to be endangering the public.  This one doesn't," said Pino.

In response, a spokesman for Sac City Fire says "the building was boarded up before an it didn't keep squatters out.  But if the city has deemed the building structurally sound, we won't second-guess their decision.

The city has given notice to the building's owner.  He has 30 days to make the necessary repairs.  If he doesn't, the city could pursue legal action or demolition.  Or the owner could choose to tear down the building himself.