SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. — Two buildings destroyed by a seven-alarm fire in Southbridge are now piles of rubble.

Crews tore down the apartments on Union Street Friday for safety reasons. Southbridge Fire Chief Paul Normandin confirms the buildings were structurally unstable and needed to be demolished. The town's building commissioner said they're now waiting on a plan for the debris removal.

Nearly 30 people made it out of last week's fire safely. The cause is under investigation by Southbridge Police and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Firefighters battled another fire Friday on nearby Cross Street. Chief Normandin said it appears to be accidental and caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.

He's reminding everyone outdoor fires are prohibited as drought conditions spread across the state.