Preliminary demolition is now underway on the main street stores in Clinton that were destroyed by fire on Saturday.
Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn says structural engineers were on the scene Wednesday to determine if the former Made in Huron store, which is still standing, is safe.
Once that decision has been made demolition will start on at least the first five buildings from the town hall and possibly the sixth.
Ginn says the upper floors were taken down Tuesday so crews could get in and shut off the natural gas and water.
The hydro was disconnected earlier.
Ginn adds he expects it'll take about a week to take all of the buildings down and they hope most of it can be done from the back so they won't disrupt traffic on Hwy. 4.
Ginn explains the demolition is fairly complicated and involves removing all of the charred lumber and building materials and insulation and pipes and then the property will have to be brought up to grade level to avoid injuries.
He adds the properties are privately owned so it will be up to the owners to decide what to do with the properties.
Clinton fire demolition
Photo by Bob Montgomery