Fire site is growing public menace

Fighting fires at the former Sinclair slaughterhouse complex is becoming all too familiar - and dangerous. The situation is an emergency with potential for disaster. Local officials, with federal support warranted, must speed up the demolition and cleanup of this abandoned, deteriorating property the city bought in 2006 for future development.

Since Tuesday morning, Cedar Rapids firefighters have battled what may be the biggest challenge of their careers. They're dealing with massive old buildings that were heavily damaged in the flood and have been deemed structurally unsound, not safe. The structure's huge old timbers and forgotten contents, such pallets of musty corn, provide fuel that could stoke a fire for days or weeks.

This is an especially dirty blaze - emitting lots of fine particulate matter over surrounding neighborhoods and the downtown area, depending on the wind direction. County health officials monitoring the situation found pollution readings well above federal standards - some even in the hazardous range - and warned people, especially those with allergies and respiratory conditions to stay indoors.

Nearby schools closed Thursday because of the threat. More than 1 million gallons of water sprayed on the fire also caused pooling problems.

It's the second time in less than five months that a major fire has erupted at the Sinclair site. The blaze that took hold on July 28 smoldered for months. Both fires are considered suspicious with no official causes yet determined.

No one knows for sure how long it will take to extinguish the latest fire. And even then, whatever structures remain will continue to be an inviting target for arsonists. Obviously, the ongoing health and safety threats to firefighters and residents make this situation critical, not to mention the extra expense to the city.

The city's flood-recovery director, Greg Eyerly, says he and other officials are pushing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fast track the city's standing request to help fund demolition costs. FEMA needs to respond quickly. This request must not smolder for months in bureaucratic layers.

The Sinclair site is a public health menace that must be eliminated sooner than later.