Store’s roof goes 10 feet under
After heavy snowfall, a portion of the ceiling was left sagging at Logan’s Smith’s Marketplace, prompting the Logan City Fire Department to respond to an emergency call at 7:30 a.m. Monday.
The south end of the building, containing the grocery section, was evacuated while damage to the structure was evaluated. Smith’s Marketplace is located at 750 N. Main Street.
No injuries were reported.
Christi Stevensen, acting store director, said by about 7 p.m., Monday, 80 percent of the damaged section had reopened. The next morning, the building was cleared and was “totally up and running,” she said.
“We had great cooperation with the fire department and all emergency crews that responded to it,” Stevensen said.
When the response team first arrived, firefighters reported hearing “snapping and popping sounds, indicating the cracking of the beam was continuing,” according to a press release.
Recommendations included removing the snow and water from the roof and putting up shoring to support the main glue-lam beam, according to the press release. An inspection was made of the attic and roof area that showed the glue-lam beam was cracking and pulling away from its connection point to the vertical support columns.
There were other leaks reported by on-scene personnel that were found to be caused by the snow and water in overflow drains above other parts of the store. The structural engineer found no other issues with the structural integrity of the roof of the building in other locations.
According to the press release, 14 personnel and four trucks that responded from Logan City Fire Department along with some personnel from the Cache County Fire District and the North Logan Fire Department.
Smith’s Marketplace also brought in two private construction contractors to set up temporary wooden supports until steel support supports could be obtained from Salt Lake City later in the afternoon. The supports were set up below the area of the beam deemed to have the largest crack.
The Logan City Fire Department deployed its technical rescue team to help clear off the snow and water from the roof. The firefighters in the technical rescue team were attached to an aerial ladder basket with life lines to help ensure their safety if the roof collapsed.
This team was trained to use specialized equipment and repelling skills to use water suction pumps and hoses. The personnel from the other Fire Departments and Districts provided additional portable pumps to help with the water removal.
Other problems created by the snow include City Hall, Hunsaker, the fire marshal, said. However, the roof will be cleared of snow prior to any chance of damage. of -sarahjh@cc.usu.edu