Partial roof collapse in building marked for demolition

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Base firefighters and civil engineers responded shortly before 8 a.m. today to the partial collapse of the roof of Bldg 281 in Area A. There was no fire and no injuries. 

The vacant building, built in 1943 as a warehouse, was constructed of wood and had already been identified for demolition, said David Perkins, 88th Air Base Wing deputy civil engineer. 

"The collapse apparently happened overnight," Perkins said, noting that all utilities to the building were shut off as a precaution. "We've seen a similar collapse previously related to deterioration of the structure and weather." 

Although the building was vacant, notification was made to people in nearby buildings to remove their cars from the Bldg 281 south parking lot along Communications Blvd., to enable better access for firefighters to observe the extent of damage. The building and parking area immediately adjacent have been cordoned and will remain closed, officials said. The cordon area is in the process of being evaluated at this time by base structural engineers. 

The building previously housed a printing plant operated by the Document Automation & Production Service, a photo production lab for the Open Skies Media Processing Facility and a warehouse for storage of publications, forms and excess equipment. 

Base civil engineers noted that they have received authority to advertise the demolition of the structure. A number of bids were received, but will remain sealed, pending availability of funding to award the contract, said Ted Hecht, a base infrastructure engineer. The demolition project is expected to be awarded in the near term.