Great Falls firefighters were called out Thursday morning for a partial roof collapse at a business along 10th Avenue South.
Employees at the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store called authorities after they noticed the roof started sagging.
Great Falls Fire Rescue evacuated the store and turned off the gas and power to the building.
Firefighters are concerned because they are seeing more structural issues around Great Falls.
The issues are due largely to the near-record snowfall in February, which has piled hundreds of pounds of snow on many roofs.
Firefighters do not suggest people clear the snow from their roofs themselves. Instead, they advise having the extra weight shoveled off professionally.
A structural engineer will assess the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store to ensure the building is safe for people to be inside.
(1st Report, 11:17 a.m.) Emergency crews have responded to the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store along 10th Avenue South for a partial structural collapse.
Great Falls Fire Rescue was called to the scene around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
The building has been evacuated and firefighters are currently accessing the situation.
GFFR asked for drivers to avoid 10th Avenue South between 9th Street and 10th Street so crews can work. A structural engineer is headed to the scene.
We will update you with any new information.
