SALISBURY — An empty field scattered with some debris is what remains of buildings that once stood behind the Eaman Park Apartments sign on Lincolnton Road. Demolition is underway, but not complete, on the apartment complex located near Salisbury High School.

The Salisbury Community Development Corporation purchased the property with the intention of clearing the buildings out and developing a new residential community. Residents of Eaman Park vacated several months ago and an environmental assessment was completed on the buildings.

The group of apartments closest to Lincolnton Road have been leveled but several buildings still remain. The Salisbury Fire Department is using the vacant, dilapidated structures for training. On Wednesday afternoon, firefighter trainees practiced cutting vertical ventilation holes in the roof of one building. The tactic is used during fires to relieve smoke buildup, among other reasons. Local fire departments often use buildings set to be destroyed for training. Firefighters responded to a real fire at the complex several weeks ago and were able to extinguish the blaze.