Alabama demolition contractor arrested for botched smokestack implosion

Alabama demolition contractor arrested for botched smokestack implosion Video of accident prompted investigation by state officials. A demolition contractor hired to remove a smokestack in Avondale Mills in Pell City, Alabama, is behind bars. A video captured the incident of the smokestack coming down Nov. 25, 2015 with a track hoe to scrape away its exterior after two charges of dynamite proved unsuccessful.


 

According to a report in the St. Claire News-Aegis, at the time of the demolition, the contractor hired to remove the Avondale Mills smokestack was not licensed by the state of Alabama to perform the work. Phoenix Services’ did have a valid federal explosives license with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The contract Phifer signed with the city required him to complete all services in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including maintenance of all federal, state and local licenses required.

Discovery of the issue, according to the report, led authorities to launch an investigation that resulted in criminal charges against Tim Phifer, owner of Phoenix Services of Alabama LLC, on Dec. 4. According to the report, he is charged with one felony count of possession of illegal explosives. He was released on bond on Dec. 8. The report quotes Assistant State Fire Marshal Scott

Pilgreen, the State of Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office launched saying the office became aware of the incident after “…we saw the same video a lot of people saw.” According to Pilgreen, Phifer’s blasting permit from the state of Alabama was no longer valid. This led to further investigation and the eventual discovery of materials that resulted in the arrest.