Worries about asbestos are stalling the demolition of a fire-ravaged building in downtown Monterey.

City officials said they earlier planned to begin tearing down the Alvarado Street building this week. The Feb. 7 blaze shut down 21 businesses.

Consultants have been hired to test the asbestos, but their report is not yet complete. The mineral has been found in the walls and ceilings.

City officials said the asbestos does not pose a public health risk.

City Manager Fred Meuer said if there was a health concern, he would have Alvardo Street shut down near the site of the fire.

A support system was installed this week to make the building safe enough for some business owners to have access.

The city said the fire started in a storage area of a Quizno's sandwich shop located in the building.