Roof collapses as firefighters clear it

Hebron, Conn. (WTNH) - It was too little, too late for a home in Hebron. Firefighters were trying to clear the snow when it came tumbling down.

Looks can be deceiving -- toward the edge of many roofs the snow may not look too deep, but when you get to the middle you might be surprised by how deep it can become.

"The ice on top is two inches thick alone," said Firefighter Drew Mitchell.

Hebron firefighters were called to the West Street home after the homeowner heard creaking and saw a crack in the ceiling. Two hours later they were on top of the roof trying to clear the snow when it collapsed.

"It pushed the sides out and the roof collapsed down onto the ceiling," explained Fire Marshal Randy Blais.

Luckily no one was inside when it happened and those on the roof safely slid down with the snow. These firefighters say the time to clear your roof is now.

"I think there was always talk to get up and clear the roofs but we didn't realize how pressing it was until we started to clear back the snow and saw all this ice on there and now we're trying to rush to get it all done before the next storm," said Firefighter Matthew Troy.

Many homes have icicles hanging from them and that could be another indication of trouble to come.

"They say with the rain a half inch of rain adds about twenty to thirty percent more weight to the roof with the snow," Mitchell said.