Roofs collapse at SE Bend warehouse, Alfalfa ranch

(Update: Alfafa riding arena’s roof collapses)

A familiar aftermath of heavy snowfall struck twice in Central Oregon in recent days, with the roof of an Alfalfa riding arena collapsing on Wednesday and the roof of a Bend warehouse falling in on Thursday.

Rose Young, the owner of the Rosebud Ranch east of Bend, said she watched the roof of her large riding arena collapse when she was feeding her horses just after 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Young said the roof, made of steel and fabric cover, had survived two other snowstorms in the past.

She said the arena was empty at the time, so no animals nor people were injured.

And the roof of a bakery distribution warehouse collapsed in southeast Bend Thursday morning, causing an estimated $850,000 in losses but no injuries after 2-3 feet of snow fell on the region in just a few days this week.

Police and fire officials were called shortly after 11 a.m. to the roof collapse at the Bimbo Bakeries warehouse on American Loop, officials said.

Two people inside evacuated on their own after hearing cracking and popping noises. The roof collapsed about 15 minutes later.

Bimbo Bakeries USA produces baked goods under brands including Sara Lee, Orowheat and Thomas’.

No food was damaged, only trays and dollies in the building, built in 1992, a manager told NewsChannel 21. The manager said they are looking for temporary facilities to keep serving customers.

The manager also said there were no issues with the pitched (not flat) roof during the heavy snow loads seen in the winter of 2016-17.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said losses were estimated at $750,000 to the structure and $100,000 in contents, after most of the metal and wood building’s roof collapsed inwards.

Firefighters secured all utilities to prevent any water or gas leaks or exposed electrical lines. City building officials assessed the building and confirmed it was unsafe to enter after 4,000 of the 5,400-square-foot structure collapsed, “most likely a result of snow on the roof,” Derlacki said.

He added that the owner will contact a structural engineer and contractor to determine the exact cause and best way to rebuild. Bend police used their drone to provide aerial views of the damage.

“Bend Fire and Building departments remind everyone of the dangers of overloaded roofs from snow,” the fire official said. “Remove excessive loads of snow from your roof safely with a roof rake or while tethered when on the roof with a shovel. Watch for for gas lines, roof vents and skylights when on the roof. Don’t block exits or gas meters with the snow removed.”

A business owner neighbor across the street said he had planned to rake his roof at some point, but stepped it up after what happened.

“I decided I was going to rake it off here today, tomorrow, ” Randy Columbelle from Pine Mountain Acoustical and Drywall. “When the roof collapsed on the building across the street, it was the time to do it now! I’m sure it’s different construction, but it (his building) still doesn’t need that kind of snow load on it.”

Derlacki told NewsChannel 21: “We are in the middle of winter. We’ve had a lot of snow.” So it’s important to be “just checking your roof, looking for signs of failure.”

“If you hear the cracking, popping, get out immediately! Call 911. Have the fire department, building officials show up and see if we can help you out. Work on raking those roofs, especially the lower pitch that take on more weight.”