Roof collapse in South Lake Tahoe at Harrison Avenue complex

The historic building that housed a liquor store and other businesses in South Lake Tahoe suffered significant damage after a heavy snow load contributed to the collapse of the building's roof early Monday morning.

At 2:42 a.m., South Lake Tahoe firefighters were called to the Pioneer Center on Harrison Avenue after the flat roof above the Green Tahoe Market and Liquor Store collapsed. The initial alarm was for a sprinkler system activation and upon arrival saw water coming out of the liquor store. South Tahoe Public Utility crews came, dug out the water supply and shut off the water to the center. At the time a lot of water was flowing down the street.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston and South Lake Tahoe Building Official Dave Walker are touring the building this morning to determine safety of the other occupants, which include a veterinary clinic where five pets were safely evacuated.

All water, gas, electricity is shut off to the building so all businesses in the center are closed according to Meston: Port of Subs, Taqueria Jalisco, Rojo's, a massage business, thrift stores and the veterinary clinic.

SLTFR sent a drone up into the attic space and above the old roof to give them a bird's eye view of damage.

The businesses in the center will remain closed until the building department has completely evaluated the structure. The sprinkler system to the center is destroyed so even if utilities are restored there would be no sprinkler system until it is rebuilt.

"It is a lengthy process to determine what is salvageable," said Chief Meston.

Meston is sending out fire crews today to evaluate other business structures in the City. There are many with flat or older roofs.

Pioneer Center from Rojo's to Port of Subs was once the Globin Hotel. Fire destroyed part of it in the 1960s, leaving Rojo's as the only original portion of the 1920s construction.

Last week the National Weather Service forecast warned the amount of water content in this latest storm could result in the collapse of some buildings, and the City of South Lake Tahoe sent out recommendations for resident to clear the snow off roofs if they could. This is still the City's recommendation, especially for older buildings.

Roofs in El Dorado County now require a 250 lb snow load so newer structures can withstand a lot of snow. Water content of snow also determines how much snow a roof can withstand.

With a week of nice weather forecast, this would be a good time to remove the snow off homes and businesses, especially on older construction.

As we get a break in the storms, and as the snow begins to melt, having it cleared off the roof would reduce the risk of heavy icicles (which are heavier than snow ) and reduce water drainage issues , which can also cause serious injury and concerns.

"For many reasons clearing the snow off the roof is important, if it all possible," said City Manager Nancy Kerry.

Kerry said to not attempt this task if unable to do physically and hire a professional that has the right equipment.