Baptist church’s roof, others collapse

Three more roofs have collapsed in Spokane County since early this morning, including one at Trinity Baptist Church. Fire crews responded to the church at 6528 N. Monroe about 4 a.m. to find the roof had caved in on the church’s gymnasium, officials said. Elsewhere, the damage estimate for Monday night’s roof collapse at Rosauer’s grocery has topped $1 million, officials said today. Fire officials were still investigating what exactly caused the 15,000-to-25,000-square-foot portion to cave in, but there was heavy snow pack on the roof, which is considered a contributing factor. “Access is being denied to the building owners’ consideration of existing roof load and anticipated forecasted snow,” said Spokane Fire Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer. So far, more than 19 roof collapses have been reported in the Spokane County area. Since 1 a.m. this morning, Spokane area firefighters have responded to roof collapses at 1403 N. Greene and Evergreen Building Supply, 3229 E. Ferry. The roofs that are collapsing are primarily flat. Fire officials say those type of structures need to be inspected and shoveled during heavy snowfall.