ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) -- The Army says it's ready to burn the last of tons of chemical weapons that were stored for decades at the Anniston Army Depot in eastern Alabama.

Only a few dozen shells filled with mustard gas remain to be destroyed at the chemical weapons incinerator located at the Anniston Army Depot. Officials say those weapons could be fed into the flames as early as Thursday.

About 900 people work at the incinerator, which began operations in August 2003. Since then, the complex has destroyed tons of lethal nerve agent and mustard-filled munitions.

Anniston Mayor Gene Robinson says the community is relieved the chemical weapons are almost gone after about 50 years of storage.

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