According to Thomaston Fire Chief Shane Foster, At approximately at 6:55 pm, Saturday June 28, 2024, Thomaston Fire Department responded to 109 W. Gordon Street for the report of a ceiling collapse. Upon arrival, it was determined that the location was the Gins Beauty Supply building which had been vacant for some time. Initial scene size up reveals the front part of the room had collapsed with debris on the floor, water, and the front glass of the building broken out.
Fire crews and Thomaston Police Department were able to establish a safe perimeter by blocking the south side of the square and evacuate the adjacent buildings which include Sabrosos and the Hollywood Locs. TFD deployed the aerial Ladder truck to get a view of the room from the top revealing it indeed was the front part of the roof that collapsed. TFD command called in City Building Code Enforcement John Baxter to assess the scene. It would appear that the down poor of rain with the simple weight of the water is what led to the collapse. TFD command and Baxter agreed that a structural engineer was needed to determine the stability of the remaining roof and to assess the wall that was affected by the collapse that is shared with Sabrosos. Until this can be addressed, Sabrosos is to remain closed and evacuated until further notice. TFD then cleaned all glass and debris from the street and walkways as well as cordoned off all walkways and parking spaces until the area is deemed safe for the citizens. Please contact me if anything is needed further.