LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A community meeting will be held Monday as Louisville officials prepare to burn down a home found with gallons of hazardous, dangerous and explosive chemicals inside.

What You Need To Know

  • Highview Baptist Church will host a community meeting for information on the controlled burn

  • Residents affected are also receiving regular calls, texts and updates

  • Those attending must bring photo ID and a piece of mail for proof of address

  • The meeting will also be live streamed on the Louisville Metro TV Facebook page

Charlie Sondergueld has lived on their quiet street in Louisville for over twenty years.

“We heard these booms going off, and I just thought it was kids playing with fireworks, but apparently it wasn’t,” said Sondergueld. 

Right on the other side of Sondergueld’s fence is the home of Mark Hibel.

Hibel was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment after investigators found over 20 different chemicals and explosives on the premises.

And now, investigators say the safest way to clean up the mess is a controlled burn. The burning will likely impact thousands of Louisville residents.

“I don’t think they are going to put any of us in danger by burning it. It needs to be burnt down,” said fellow neighbor Peggy Nalley. 

On Thursday, Louisville Metro personnel started going door-to-door to contact neighbors.

Residents affected are also receiving calls, texts and are invited to the community meeting at Highview Baptist Church on Monday at  7:00 p.m.

Those attending must bring photo ID and a piece of mail for proof of address.

“Oh yes, I’d like to be in the front row. I need to know why they are going to burn. Why can’t they abate it?” Sondergueld asked. 

Investigators say there is so much hazardous material and other debris inside that burning is the best option.

The meeting will also be live streamed on the Louisville Metro TV Facebook page.

The date for the burning is not set at this moment. More details will follow the community meeting.

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