GLOBE, Ariz. -- Historic buildings are an important part any downtown area. But as CBS 5 investigative reporter Morgan Loew discovered, when those buildings aren't taken care of it can have disastrous results.

The city of Globe is a historic eyeful for people who appreciate old buildings with details you just don't see in newer construction.

"It's part of what makes Globe beautiful and attractive to people from other areas," said the city's mayor Fernando Shipley, who moved to the area from the Valley.

Shipley said he has a plan to use the area's historic buildings to draw in tourists, businesses and new money to the old mining town.

"But some of the same buildings that give Globe its historic charm also pose a danger to its residents, tourists and the town's very future," said Loew.

On July 15, 2005, the potential danger turned real as the city's old Pioneer Hotel caught fire.

The inferno also engulfed the theater next door.

Fire Marshal Joe Bracamonte said he remembers the challenge of putting out the blaze and protecting the surrounding buildings.

"I don't recall how many firefighters we had on the scene, but it lasted a good two days," said Bracamonte.

Bracamonte said when he looks around town he still gets nervous. He also said the old school house in town was, "a death trap for firefighters."

Loew visited the site with Bracamonte after the fire marshal had secured a search warrant.

Loew said they found it full of furniture, cabinets and appliances.

"The doors are blocked and it's located right next to a charter school that's in operation today," he said.

Loew said the same man who owns the old school house owned the Pioneer Hotel and dozens of other crumbling and run-down historic buildings in towns all over Gila County.

"His name is Glen Wilt, and he's an Arizona State University finance professor," said Loew. "We caught up with him last year in Superior, Ariz., after the town council voted to demolish one of his buildings saying it was a danger to their community."

Loew said Globe city leaders have taken a hard look at their own streets and have enacted a new fire code geared toward dealing with irresponsible property owners.

On Monday, authorities issued Wilt two new citations, ordering him to make his buildings safe.

"The way I look at it is if you can't be a responsible property owner then maybe you shouldn't own property," said Shipley.

City leaders said the goal of the new fire code is to have all the old buildings in the area up to code in six months, and eventually, fill them with tenants that bring in tourists and contribute to the economy.