Ethan Allen Building Deemed Safe

Utilities were turned back on at the Ethan Allen store on Route 44 shortly before 6 p.m. after a structural engineer determined the building was safe, according to a release from the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. 

The engineer, however, advised the company that the building was “reacting” to the weight of snow and it should be removed from the roof, according to the department.

Firefighters and fire marshal Adam Libros and responded to the building shortly before 11 a.m. this morning after employees called about sagging ceiling tiles. An investigation revealed tiles had popped and support beams were under stress, officials said. 

Bill Rich, the town’s building official, then determined the building should be closed, fire officials said.

Later in the day, Libros met with the an engineer hired by the company and they determined the utilities could be turned back on. 

Management at the nearby Shoppes at Farmington Valley is also removing snow from its buildings. 

In addition, the town is also taking precautions with some of its buildings.