OGDEN — Ogden has started out clearing out abandoned homes along the city's riverfront to clear land for redevelopment by burning down some of them.
City firefighters torched two of the homes Saturday and say they took advantage of the opportunity for training.
Fire Chief Mike Mathieu has proposed setting fire to many of the 45 homes located in the Ogden River Project area.
He rates the neighborhood the No. 1 fire hazard in the city. Firefighters have responded to 17 fires there over the past two years.
It is unclear whether burning or demolition will bring down the other houses, however.
Mayor Godfrey has said he would limit the burning because of pollution concerns.