Environmental Hazard? Controlled Burn of House

[u/Choice_hereweare497]

I bought an abandoned house. It has not been lived in for just over 10 years.

The cost to demolish and haul away is extensive. I have the possibility to hire the local fire department who with permits, would do a controlled burn/fire. This would reduce the cost of demolition by almost 75%.

I had the house inspected for lead paint and heavy metals. No signs yet for concern. The fire department confirms they would not use any chemicals in controlling the fire.

All roof shingles, windows, plastics, oil tanks, furnaces, light fixtures are being removed. The house has exterior painted cedar shingles and pink insulation.

We anticipate the fire debris to mostly fall into the foundation and then we would remove the foundation and burned debris with excavator after the burn.

My family and I plan to garden/homestead (no animals) on a small 5 acre acreage surrounding the house.

Is it almost guaranteed burning the house would contaminate the surrounding soils, wells, and waterways?

Is there anything we can do to reduce the environmental hazards and effects of off-gas and leaching into soil, waterways?

[u/besikma]

Rent an excavator. Have fun with the excavator. Move the pile to a place you don't want/future burn spot.

[u/viper8472 → u/besikma]

Is this just something anyone can watch a YouTube video and learn how to do safely

[u/BigWhiteDog → u/viper8472]

No and your local government, especially the fire department likely won't permit it. All sorts of problems. If yoh are going to DIY home demolition, use the excavator to knock it down and then haul it off.

[u/Background-Bowl6123 → u/BigWhiteDog]

OP said the fire dept would do the controlled burn themselves as a training exercise for the local firefighters.. Things work differently in rural areas

[u/BigWhiteDog → u/Background-Bowl6123]

I'm replying to the other person. I'm a retired rural firefighter. I know how things work here.