Demolition begins at ironworks; Plant that was to be part of Troy's riverfront revival smoldered as the work began.(Capital Region)(Correction notice)

Byline: CATHLEEN F. CROWLEY - Staff Writer

TROY - A demolition crew began tearing down the historic Rensselaer Iron Works building on Madison Street on Monday as wisps of smoke continued to rise from the roof.

The Madison Street building was vacant and had no electrical service when the fire started Sunday afternoon. Fire Chief Tom Garrett called it a definite case of arson.

Flames burned intensely for four hours. Neighboring fire departments from Albany, Watervliet and Green Island joined Troy firefighters in battling the blaze.

Most of the flames were contained to the factory's former power house and the north end of the largest building …