Wrecking crews have rolled into Los Altos, starting the teardown of the building scorched by the Christmas blaze that lit up the sky with a three-alarm fire, the Santa Clara County Fire Department reported. The demolition at 4600 El Camino Real, which commenced this Wednesday, is crucial for allowing the Santa Clara County Fire Department to investigate the site safely.
Due to the extensive damage, including a collapsed roof, authorities have been unable to investigate the reasons behind the holiday disaster. "The roof has collapsed, so that collapse might cause more collapse," Capt. Matt Mokhtarian of the Santa Clara County Fire Department said in a statement obtained by NBC Bay Area. The methodical dismantling, starting from the top, aims to create a risk-free zone for firefighters and investigators to conduct their work.
The inferno in question sparked around 4:48 a.m. on December 25 at the two-story commercial property, engulfing the 20,000 square foot edifice. Fortunately, there were no injuries. As a part of the ensuing operations and to ensure public safety, a section of El Camino Real has been cordoned off, stretching between San Antonio Road and Sherwood Avenue during the demolition process.
While the deconstruction is underway, local traffic regulations have been altered to accommodate the safety measures, with the affected stretch of El Camino Real remaining closed to motorists. In a post on Facebook, the Santa Clara County Fire Department revealed that the removal of the roof and second story was to occur over several days. The reopening of the thoroughfare, however, will hang on the progression of the investigation and demolition.
