Standard-Examiner: Two Ogden Homes Torched for Firefighter Training

Just like his Boss, it appears that Chief Mathieu's word is no good

If you've been hacking, coughing and wheezing since yesterday morning, this morning's Standard-Examiner story provides the likely cause:

• Two Ogden homes torched for firefighter training

This brings to mind this July 7, 2010 Std-Ex story, in which Ogden Fire Chief Mike Mathieu first publicly proposed torching Gadi Leshem's 40 derelict Ogden Riverfront properties. Among Chief Mathieu's assurances set forth within his initial 7/7/10 proposal:

Mathieu said multiple homes could be burned at once. Burning would take place when smoke would dissipate properly. Area residents would be notified in advance of the fires, he said [presumably while his lips were moving].

Just like his constantly dissembling Boss, it's evident that Chief Mathieu's word is no good, either.

We received the following missive from one of our gentle readers earlier this morning, in reference to Jessica Miller's above-linked morning story (among other reader complaints):

What sort of deal if any was struck with the mayor?
What sort of notification occurred for area residents?
What pollutants were monitored and by what method?
Is risk management personnel qualified to conduct environmental testing and monitoring?
What funds are going to be used to finish the demolition?
When are other homes going to be burned?
What were the costs associated with additional fire department and risk management staffing?
When can the Council expect a copy of the press release?
Can you tell I am livid???

So many questions... so few answers.

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