Authorities evacuated the Mall of Georgia after a fire broke out in a clothing store Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze in Rue21, but the Buford mall had to be cleared due to smoke, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services spokesman Brian Gaeth. The mall remained closed until after business hours Tuesday while investigators were on the scene.
The flames were contained to a single clothing rack, but there is smoke damage throughout Rue21, Gaeth told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. He added that investigators believe someone set the clothing rack on fire. Authorities have not identified a suspect.
Credit: WSB 24-hour Traffic Center
Credit: WSB 24-hour Traffic Center
A 911 caller reported seeing flames near the back of the store and shoppers trying to put it out with extinguishers, Gaeth said. When crews arrived, they found a clothing rack on fire and smoke filling the main mall corridor, according to a news release.
A Rue21 employee confirmed to the AJC on Wednesday afternoon that the fire was contained to the clothing rack, but that damage from the extinguisher remains throughout the store.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, keeping it from spreading beyond where it started. They also used an electric fan to remove smoke from the store.
A mall security guard was evaluated for possible smoke inhalation but declined treatment, Gaeth said in the release.
The mall was open for normal business hours Wednesday. Rue21 remains closed and it’s uncertain when it will reopen.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwinnett fire investigators at 678-518-4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 800-282-5804. Georgia Arson Control offers rewards of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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