GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County fire investigators continue to investigate the cause of a mall fire that broke out at a Rue 21 store on Tuesday. Firefighters believe the fire at the Mall of Georgia was set intentionally.
The mall reopened on Wednesday.
Investigators were called out Tuesday afternoon. When they arrived, massive flames were seen coming from one of the merchandise racks.
“They had just evacuated everybody, and everyone was just standing outside with their cameras on,” said shopper Sandy Bala.
Shoppers couldn’t believe what was happening.
“I just can’t believe someone would intentionally set the fire,” said shopper Glennethia Benjamin. “I’m hoping we don’t have to worry about this for the whole holiday season.”
The entire mall had to be evacuated as crews worked to put out the flames.
Rue 21 remained closed on Wednesday as the investigation continued. Investigators are now ruling it as arson.
“I live right down the street, and this is the mall my kids come to, so that’s crazy,” Bala said.
Fire officials are still looking for the person responsible for setting the blaze.
“We have been reviewing surveillance video,” said Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Brian Gaeth. “We’ve conducted interviews with store employees and trying to isolate what the point of origin was.”
Investigators tell Channel 2 Action News they are also taking a close look at the video circulating on social media.
“We are glad people were there to take action, but we would like to caution people that when there is an opportunity to evacuate, that’s the emphasis we want to place,” said Gaeth.
For many shoppers, the mall is usually a place of comfort and peace. They never thought they would have to worry about something like this.
“It kind of dampens the spirit,” said Benjamin.
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