Cleaning debris from historic hotel fire will be challenging, officials say

OKLAHOMA BOROUGH, Pa. — Plans are being made to remove the charred remains of the old Belvedere Hotel in Westmoreland County.

The former hotel along Route 66 in Oklahoma burned down last month.

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There will be challenges with the cleanup, because crews have to prevent dust from becoming airborne because of asbestos.

The state Department of Environmental Protection says the debris should stay wet or covered so the Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Department has been misting the pile every couple of days.

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As for the investigation into the fire, Pennsylvania State Police are looking for two men.

They were seen wandering around the Westmoreland County landmark the morning of the fire.

PHOTOS: Fire destroys historic Belvedere Hotel

The borough had been trying to find money to tear down the building, according to officials.

Firefighters said the fire is suspicious because no one was living in the building and there were no utilities, but a fire marshal will make the final determination. No one was hurt.

Cox Media Group