Roof Collapses In Texas Three-Alarmer

March 29, 2006
The flames spread quickly through the bookstore

A three-alarm fire spread through the TCU Bookstore overnight Tuesday, causing the roof to collapse and injuring one firefighter.

Fort Worth firefighters received the call at about 2 a.m. to the store on West Berry. The flames spread quickly through the building, bringing the roof down, officials said.

One firefighter suffered an injury to his foot and was transported to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth for treatment.

The building was undergoing renovations, so there were no books inside at the time of the fire. A temporary bookstore located in the front of the new bookstore was not damaged and students will still be able to get materials for class.

Fort Worth fire investigators returned to the scene on Wednesday and determined the cause of the fire.

In a press release, Lt. Kent Worley with the Fort Worth Fire Department said: "Workers for the demolition contractor were using a cutting torch late Tuesday afternoon to cut though the existing metal roof joists. The heat from the torch apparently ignited a layer of the roof. It was unseen at the time and smoldered for several hours before igniting the entire underside of the roof area."

Damage is estimated at $1 million.

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