Demolition workers physically sick as “horrific house” is cleared.
Yesterday morning, a contractor began demolishing a house described as “horrific” by city officials, who condemned it as a serious risk to public health.
But first, the interior underwent a massive cleanup last week that yielded dumpster-loads of trash, numerous dead cats and even ammunition.
Even though workers wore hazmat suits and respirators, three of them threw up from the stench and filth found inside the house, said Dave Nash, city spokesman.
He said six 40-yard Dumpsters of trash were removed from the interior — that equates to 40 cubic yards of trash in the largest available Dumpsters that are 22 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8 feet tall. Four truckloads of personal belongings were salvaged and turned over to a friend of the owner. Also, more than 150 pounds of ammunition in plastic bags were taken from the house and turned over to Yuma Proving Ground for safekeeping.
The house was treated three times for fleas and cockroaches in addition to previous treatments of the house and yard. More than 70 dead cats were found inside the house during the two-day cleanup. From the condition of the interior, Nash said even more cats are expected to be found in the walls and attic as they’re demolished.
Sun Country has the contract to demolish the house on behalf of the city.
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