A Look at Fire Safety & Demolition
Empire Services • October 1, 2021
October is known for falling leaves, pumpkins, and Halloween. Yet, it’s also known as Fire Prevention Month. This celebration raises fire safety awareness and helps communities discover ways to protect their homes and families. It was created by the National Fire Protection agency in 1922 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire. While many first think of protecting their homes, we must also think about protecting our businesses. There are many actions that can be taken to protect established businesses, but what about businesses that are being constructed, renovated, or demolished?
Fire safety is of great importance on a job site. For example, during a construction project, it is important to make sure equipment is properly used and stored. A propane torch used in the soldering of pipes must be used by trained employees and made sure it is turned off when not in use. On demolition projects, a firewatch must be used for up to one hour after any cutting with open flame or spark-producing devices is completed. Combustible waste and materials, such as oily rags and construction debris, must be properly disposed. It is also important the gas lines be shut off during renovation or demolition.
Demolishing Fire-Damaged Structures
Unfortunately, at Empire Services, we have demolished numerous homes and businesses that were destroyed by fire. With each job site, we implement many safety practices to prevent fires as well as injuries. We have demolished a variety of buildings, such as the Huntingdon Electric Motor Service building and the former Letisse Ladies Handbags Factory, that had extensive damage and required the evacuation of adjacent buildings. The urgency of the projects often requires working with utility companies to disconnect service or reroute adjacent power lines. Our extensive fleet of specialized equipment helped us take them down safely and efficiently, in some very tight quarters.
While October puts a spotlight on fire safety, we always have it front and center on every job. When you contract Empire to demolish a fire-damaged structure, you can count on precision demolition, expert equipment, and an experienced crew. Contact us today to learn more!
On behalf of the Empire Group, we would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in our Annual Golf Classic on October 4 th at the beautiful Galen Hall Golf Club in Wernersville, PA. It’s hard to believe this marked the 30th year of the tournament! Although this was Empire Group's first time hosting the event at this historic venue, we have deep roots at Galen Hall — Empire Services demolished the original Galen Hall Hotel back in 1963 following a devastating fire. Since then, the golf club has remained a local landmark, known for its scenic views and welcoming atmosphere. Despite the cool early morning, 99 golfers were warmed up and ready for the 8 AM shot gun start leading to some fun but competitive golfing. After the final putt dropped, everyone gathered for the award ceremonies, followed by a hearty lunch. Shout out to the winners of all categories and the raffle!
This summer, Empire Services proved that even scorching heat can’t slow us down. Our demolition and excavation teams worked tirelessly across the region, keeping projects on schedule and ensuring client satisfaction. From precise pipe installations to complex industrial dismantling, we brought the talent, equipment, and dedication needed to deliver safe and successful results. Below are some of our recent project highlights that showcase the range of services Empire Services provides.
School demolition and sitework projects come with a unique set of challenges: tight timelines, limited space, sensitive environments, and the need to avoid disruptions to student learning. Whether it’s a complete building demolition or utility work, every site requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. At Empire Services, we understand the pressure and precision required in educational demolition projects. That’s why schools across Pennsylvania—from elementary to college campuses—trust us to get the job done right.
At Empire Services, we pride ourselves on taking on some of the most challenging industrial demolition projects in the region—and delivering safe, efficient, and precise results every time. One of our most recent projects in Delaware County, PA, exemplifies the level of experience, strategy, and innovation our team brings to the table. Clarifying a Clarifier Clarifiers play a vital role in wastewater treatment by removing suspended solids through the process of gravity settling. These sedimentation tanks separate solid particulates from liquid, producing two distinct outputs: clarified water and concentrated sludge. Far from being just mechanical components, clarifiers are essential to the overall efficiency and success of any water or wastewater treatment system. Available in various shapes and sizes, most clarifiers are circular—an optimal design that promotes maximum settling efficiency. However, their large scale and unique structures can present challenges when it comes to access and maintenance. That’s why strategic planning is crucial when it comes time to dismantle these critical systems safely and effectively. A Giant Shark Tank: Removing a 198-Foot Wastewater Clarifier Empire Services was tasked with dismantling an enormous wastewater clarifier that stood 198 feet in diameter and 20 feet below ground level. The clarifier featured a complex interior slope and several built-in structures, making access a key challenge before demolition could even begin. With most industrial demolition projects, the interior must be cleared before any exterior dismantling can occur. But in this case, even getting inside the structure required a creative solution. We used a small crane to lower a personnel lift into the circular tank. Once inside, a custom scaffold stair tower was erected to ensure safe and easy access for crew members. The personnel lift equipment was critical for enabling our team in torch-cutting the interior components located high inside the structure. These included: Bridges Motor systems Radial water troughs Walkways Internal steel frames From Demolishing to Salvaging Whether it's removing massive industrial equipment, demolishing entire structures, or salvaging mechanical systems, Empire Services brings: Advanced equipment Proven demolition techniques Highly trained crews A commitment to safety and efficiency This Delaware County project is just one example of how we go above and beyond to meet complex industrial demolition challenges.
Empire Services, an Empire Group affiliate, was contacted by general contractor P.J. Dick to install a domestic water line in Cathedral Village’s Philadelphia (PA) facility. Cathedral Village is a large multi-state retirement community offering a variety of living options and a total of 416 units.
At Empire Services, we specialize in transforming large, complex spaces - and few environments are more dynamic than today’s schools. We’re proud to take part in another school renovation in Berks County, PA, where we’re currently working on exciting renovation projects at Governor Mifflin Middle School and High School.
Ellen Ganime Not many people can say they’ve experienced the full arc of a company’s evolution in a single sitting; yet, I had the honor of doing just that while helping create a timeline for Empire Group’s 70th anniversary. What began as a modest demolition and excavation firm (Empire Wrecking) has grown into a regional powerhouse (Empire Group) with five thriving affiliates, forever changing the landscape of Reading, PA, and beyond. From Demolition to Utility Work It’s not just the Empire Wrecking (dba Empire Services) projects that are interesting—it’s also the affiliates ( Elk Environmental Services, DVC , DVUC , Empire Services, and Berks Transfer ) that were born out of necessity. Each one represents a solution to a challenge encountered on the job site. Over the years, these companies emerged organically, each one reinforcing the next while staying rooted in Empire Group’s foundational expertise. Seeing their formation laid out on the timeline, each connected to the Empire name, brings a swell of pride. Together, they form a tightly woven network that supports and enhances every project, expanding the company’s capabilities and impact. A Journey Through the Decades The timeline project is more than just compiling dates and milestones—it’s a journey through Empire Group’s living history. I had the pleasure of sitting down with former employees whose passion, dedication, and stories brought the company’s legacy to life. From dismantling a radio tower to demolishing a racetrack, their experiences painted a vivid picture of a company built on hard work, innovation, and camaraderie. Former employees Bob Nocera and Steve Beisswanger shared unforgettable stories about complex projects and the bonds formed on job sites as we pored over countless pictures. Listening to them reminisce, it was clear: Empire Group isn’t just about the projects—it’s about the people and shared experiences that have played a crucial role in the company’s development. A Legacy Etched in Steel and Stone What stood out most during the timeline creation was the scale and impact of Empire’s work. Old photographs showed the dramatic evolution of equipment and techniques—proof of how far the company has evolved. In many cases, Empire tackled projects so impressive in scale and complexity that they were featured in national publications, such as Demolition Magazine and Constructioneer, as well as many various location publications. More Than a Timeline—A Tribute This timeline became more than a historical record; it became a tribute to the people and the progress that have defined Empire Group for over seven decades. It’s a reminder of the company’s roots, its remarkable growth, and the enduring spirit that continues to drive it forward. As we celebrate this 70-year milestone, there’s a collective sense of pride in everything Empire Group has accomplished. From its humble beginnings to shaping skylines, the journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s to 70 more years!
Empire Services is excited to play a key role in the transformation of Gingrich Library at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1964, Gingrich Library was once considered a modern structure. It has evolved over the decades to feature new technology and resources. Also, a fourth floor was added in 1977. This renovation will encapsulate today’s technology to create a unique learning facility. It will not only house the library but will also offer archives, a writing and tutoring center, and student disability services. Adding to the scope of work was an infrastructure issue; several areas of the building were compromised due to water infiltration causing concerning damage.
As summer rolls in, Empire Services is hard at work across Southeastern Pennsylvania, delivering top-tier demolition and excavation services with precision, safety, and efficiency. Our team proudly supports public and private projects that create lasting impacts, including transforming local parks. Here's a look at some of the exciting projects we're tackling this season.
What began as a mission to preserve a piece of Reading’s architectural history ultimately came full circle for Empire Services. In March, the City of Reading contracted Empire Services to perform an emergency/exploratory partial demolition of a compromised roof structure located at 431 Penn Street. The building featured a distinctive façade, originally part of the Reading News Building constructed in 1912. That same façade had been taken down piece by piece and then carefully reinstalled in 1981 by Empire Services and Eshbach Brothers, ensuring its secure attachment to its structure. The initial goal of the partial demolition was to preserve the iconic storefront at all costs. In addition, Empire removed the remainder of the building—excluding a 60-foot section and the preserved façade, which were to remain intact. Upon further evaluation, the building was deemed unsafe and posed a threat to public safety. The building and the adjacent structure (433 Penn Street) were then demolished by Empire. In a symbolic gesture, the original stone block engraved with “The Reading News” was preserved. While the effort to save the façade ultimately ended with its removal, the story reflects Empire’s deep connection to the project—and the important role the company played in honoring, preserving, and responsibly concluding this chapter of the city’s architectural history.
