Explosive-laden Calif. house set to be destroyed

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Fire officials waited for the weather to improve Thursday as they prepared to torch a house so laden with explosives that authorities have no other choice but to burn it to the ground.

The blaze was delayed for at least an hour by an atmospheric condition known as an inversion layer that could hold the toxic smoke close to the ground.

Authorities expected the layer to dissipate by late morning and allow the smoke to rise at least 1,000 feet before dissipating.

Meanwhile, arson officers opened windows and doors while holes were drilled in the roof of the house to ensure adeq...