Demolition was underway two days after fire gutted the historic Huttig home in Muscatine, Iowa.
The cause of the fire, that sent flames raging from the basement to the attic of the home at 315 West Third Street on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, was still under investigation. The fire was so intense, and damage so extensive, that firefighters were forced to fight the flames from outside the home as they tried to defend neighboring homes from also catching fire.
The loss from the fire was initially estimated at $300,000; but the total loss value was expected to climb after the antiques and historic items inside the home were added.
The owner of the home reportedly hoped to restore it after the fire, but insurance and city officials said it was not possible. The city engineer determined the house was unsafe, and a danger to nearby buildings and people, according to Muscatine Fire Marshal Mike Hartman.
So, demolition began the morning of Thursday, December 3.
