Officials urge prompt action on repeatedly burned house at 615 S. 4th; process, costs discussed

Fire and code-enforcement staff told the Lovington City Commission that a house at 615 South 4th Street has burned at least twice and presents a continuing hazard to first responders, neighbors and passersby. Fire marshal Richie described structural compromise and a "high fuel load," and urged commissioners to move quickly to remove the threat, using the city's emergency code provisions if necessary.

"This residence at 615 South 4th Street does represent a critical risk to public safety, first responders, and the surrounding community," Richie said, describing two separate fires and progressive structural decay. Staff explained the standard municipal procedure: determine whether asbestos is present, which dictates whether demolition can be done in-house (no asbestos) or requires outside abatement (asbestos present), after which the city can place a lien on the property for removal costs. Staff said the property owner has been cooperative but lacks funds and has permitted asbestos testing.

Commissioners discussed signage, no-trespassing notices and temporary measures to discourage squatters and protect responders. Several commissioners urged staff to obtain a cost estimate and present options: immediate emergency action if justified by safety risk, or the standard 10-day notice followed by municipal-court filing if the owner does not abate the hazard. The commission did not vote on an emergency demolition at the meeting but directed staff to pursue cost estimates and legal options.

The article uses the fire marshal's on-record statements and staff descriptions of the municipal code process; it does not assert that a final demolition date or cost has been set.