Turlock moving to raze plant

TURLOCK -- The Turlock Fire Department is working with representatives of the owners of the former Lactalis cheese plant to tear down the structure that was badly damaged in a fire Feb. 19.

The vacant 59,000-square-foot structure on West Main Street suffered an estimated $5 million in damage from the blaze.

Three women have been charged with arson and attempted murder, accused of setting a fire in an attempt to kill a man with whom they had fought. They have all pleaded not guilty and are being held in the Stanislaus County Jail.

Fire Chief Tim Lohman said the department wants to gain voluntary compliance from the owner to demolish the building, rather than have the city have to complete the process.

Last week, the building had a site safety inspection. Asbestos found at the facility could affect final demolition costs, Lohman said.

The sides will meet again this week to discuss the process.