Units from Valley Regional Fire Authority were dispatched to the Auburn Safeway (101 Auburn Way S) at 7:48 A.M. for a reported roof collapse.
“Initial reports are that the collapse is approximately 10ft x 50ft,” said Kimberly Terhune with VRFA. “Water, gas, and electrical have been affected and Puget Sound Energy has been requested.”
After completing their first search of the scene, VRFA crews confirmed there were no injuries.
The store will remain closed to customers, with Auburn Police on the scene to secure the perimeter.
UPDATE 1 10:00AM 5/14/20:
It has been clarified that the roof has not collapsed, but the ceiling/overhead HVAC area (think where the Haggen thief hid).
No customers were in the area at the time of the collapse.
There is a considerable amount of water on the floor. Water, gas, and electrical have all been secured. VRFA and the City of Auburn building inspectors are both inside the store examining the scene. The store is expected to remain closed for at least the remainder of today.
UPDATE 2 10:15 AM 5/14/20:
According to Kelly Hawks with VRFA, Auburn Police utilized a drone to confirm the store’s roof remains intact. There appears to be no structural damage to the building.
As the integrity of the gas, electrical, and water remain undetermined, contractors will come in to fully assess and repair the damage. It is unknown how long this process will take.
Generators are currently being utilized for the store’s frozen and refrigerated products. Refrigerated trucks can be brought in should the store remain closed for a prolonged time.
UPDATED 10:24AM 5/14/20:
Store employees have been permitted back inside the store.
This is an ongoing situation and updates will be provided as they become available.
In other news, 2020 is still being a real asshole of a year.