Tragedy in Westford as Barn Collapses, Killing 2 Horses

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Two horses were killed in Westford Friday when a barn weighed down by snow collapsed. Five more horses were rescued.

The incident happened at Bobby’s Ranch on Durkee Lane—a day after state officials issued an advisory urging residents to clear snow from their roofs. About 5 feet of snow has fallen on the region in February alone.

“Unfortunately, the outcome wasn’t what we were hoping for,” Westford Fire Lt. Donald Parsons told WHDH.

The barn was a metal Quonset hut. Ranch owner Robert Haigh told the Boston Globe that before the collapse, he cleared some snow from the roof but couldn’t get all of it.

Below are some tips from the state on how to prevent roof collapses:

DO

• Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
• Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
• Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
• Keep all ladders, shovels and roof rakes away from utility wires
• Plastic shovels are usually best. Metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
• Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side, away from the building.
• Remove large icicles carefully if they’re hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
• Protect utilities meters and piping from falling snow, icicles, and melting water.
• Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
• Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores. If you choose to do the task yourself, have someone outside with you to assist.
• Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

DON’T

• Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don’t add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
• Don’t use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
• Don’t use blow torches, open-flame, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Don’t try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.

How to Recognize Problems with Roofs

• Sagging roofs
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

What to Do if You Have Problems

• If you notice any signs that you have a problem with your roof, or suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately without touching light switches and call 9-1-1 from safely outside the building.
• For general questions, call your local building or fire department business line.

Other Safety Tips for Homeowners

• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Clear snow from fire hydrants near your home or business.
• Clear snow from storm drains near your home or business to prevent street flooding.

Photo: A shot of the collapsed barn at Bobby’s Ranch in Westford Friday. (Credit:WHDH)