Work is underway to demolish a derelict hat factory after a massive inferno in inner Sydney gutted the structure and displaced more than 100 people.
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An exclusion zone remains in place at the Surry Hills building, with the unstable walls posing a threat to public safety, as excavators clear rubble at street level after Thursday's devastating blaze.
Firefighters removed windows from an adjacent office block after heat damage meant some windows were unstable and prone to falling out without notice.
Heavy demolition machinery was expected to arrive later on Monday evening before taking apart what remains of the seven-storey, heritage-listed brick building on Tuesday.
The demolition will start as soon as the light allows, Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry says
"The whole thing is about getting in as early as possible," he told AAP.
Residential and business occupants nearby should close windows and external doors during the demolition due to the dust and debris expected, police said.
One of the factory's walls rained bricks on Randle Street as the inferno raged on Thursday evening, one of the largest seen in central Sydney for about a decade.
Firefighters then warned another wall moved slightly inwards on Friday night, highlighting the importance of the exclusion zone affecting neighbouring apartments.
At least 100 people living in the area have registered as being displaced since the fire lit up the sky, closing streets and diverting public transport.
Specialist firefighters remain on the scene monitoring the stability of the remaining structure and smouldering from deep within the rubble, police said.
Later in the week, arson squad investigators and cadaver-detection dogs will examine the scene as sections of the rubble are removed.
The brick-and-timber building, and a neighbouring structure formerly home to karaoke bar Ding Dong Dang, was known for regularly housing 15 rough sleepers.
"While police have not received any reports of missing people, investigators are unable to definitively say there is no one inside," police said in a statement on Monday.
Once the exclusion zone is declared safe, the residential buildings inside it will need a significant amount of work before they can be re-occupied.
"As such, a timeline for their return home is not yet available," police said.
"Welfare services will continue to communicate directly with displaced residents to keep them informed."
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity before the fire to make contact.
Teenagers spotted running from the building shortly after the blaze started handed themselves in on Thursday, with officers hoping three or four more teens present to police.
Australian Associated Press
