Purcellville's town council closed the indoor roller-skating rink at Fireman's Field yesterday after construction engineers determined that the building showed severe signs of structural weakness.

Experts determined that the 104-year-old building is in no danger of immediate collapse, but it could pose a public safety risk in the event of severe weather.

"The Council takes public safety and its stewardship very seriously," wrote Purcellville Mayor Bob Lazaro in a released statement, "and as such, the skating rink has been closed immediately to begin the process of evaluating and undertaking the recommended repairs to address the structural deficiencies identified."

The town's teen center -- which operates in the building on Friday nights-- will also need to find a temporary home as a result of the closing. Tonight's session, said Lazaro, has been cancelled as organizers look for event space. Possible options for the teen center include privately-owned buildings in town and nearby county facilities, said Lazaro.

Purcellville purchased Fireman's Field, which includes the roller rink facility, in 2008. The historic property was first used for religious revivals and as an entertainment venue where popular orators like Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan spoke. Years later, the Tabernacle --as the building was called then-- drew crowds to see wrestling matches and popular country singers like Patsy Cline. Until Dulles Airport was built in 1962, the building was the largest structure in Loudoun County.

In other Purcellville news, the first of the town's new LED streetlights were installed yesterday as part of a pilot project with Dominion Power. The town purchased the high-efficiency lights and Dominion installed them for free.

And Purcellville police are urging residents to lock their doors and cars after authorities responded to a home alarm shortly after 2 a.m. on Wednesday in the 37000 block of Drawbridge Way. While setting a perimeter at the residence, police witnessed a Hispanic male wearing a blue windbreaker run out of the residence. Police determined that the subject had entered through an unlocked rear door and removed food. The K-9 unit was called out, but police were unable to catch the suspect.

Later that morning at 5 a.m. a homeowner in the 300 block of East Loudoun Valley Drive reported that the back door of his home had been opened at some point during the night (perhaps near 1 a.m. when the homeowner recalled hearing his dogs barking), but it was determined that no one had entered.

Police ask Purcellville residents to report any suspicious activity to Chief Darryl Smith at 540-338-7422.