This is, or was, the old San Diego Gas and Electric Building.  It was imploded about two weeks after the Kingdome in Seattle Washington was.

It started with some pyrotechnics.  Large flammable explosions and fireworks from the rooftop.

Then from left to right the building came down

The demolition company that blew up this building consulted with the company that blew the Kingdome.  They flew into San Diego the night before the implosion and looked over the preparations.  On a news interview they said "this one's not complex like the Kingdome --  it's just another ho-hum job."

Why blow up the building, you ask?

To build a new stadium for the San Diego Padres, of course!

And guess what can happens when pyrotechnics is added for a little showmanship .... it looked like the tar roof caught on fire.

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