In a dramatic weather event on Monday afternoon, strong winds swept through southern Idaho, causing substantial damage to a maintenance and cargo building near the Boise Airport. The incident occurred on Apollo Street, where sections of the building’s roof were torn off by the intense winds.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

The Boise Fire Department responded promptly to the scene around 4:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they found that parts of the roof had been blown off, with debris landing in a nearby parking lot. Fortunately, no vehicles were damaged, and no injuries were reported. As a precaution, the building was evacuated, and power was shut off to ensure the safety of those present.

A Horizon Air employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the experience of being inside the building when the winds intensified. He described hearing unusual noises and witnessing the roof being torn away. The employee noted that about half of the roof was removed, and he observed electrical wires hanging from the building and stretching across a nearby road. This prompted him to alert airport operations immediately.

Impact on Airport Operations

Despite the damage, a spokesperson for the Boise Airport confirmed that airport operations were not affected by the incident. The initial assessment by the employee suggested that the debris included shingles and plywood sheets. However, the Boise Airport later clarified that the roof was made of a membrane system, which contributed to the nature of the debris observed.

This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of weather events and the importance of emergency preparedness and response. The Boise Fire Department and airport officials are continuing to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all airport facilities.

Original reporting: KTVB (Boise metro) — read the source article.