A Southern California mall long dogged by gunfire scares, teen mob fights and a fatal shooting was forced to partially shut down Thursdayas fire inspectors declared portionsof the complex unsafe over “unresolved, life-threatening fire code violations.”
The 1.1-million-square-foot Moreno Valley Mall was red-tagged by city officials after authorities said the property owner failed to correct serious safety hazards that could endanger shoppers in the event of a fire.
Most of the mall’s interior — including common areas and inline stores — was ordered closed after being deemed unsafe.
However, three major anchors were allowed to remain open: Macy’s, JCPenney and Harkins Theatres, which operate in separately owned buildings with independent fire protection systems and their own exterior exits.
“Numerous health and safety code violations have been identified as posing significant risks to tenants and customers alike, including the potential loss of life in the event of a fire,” Moreno Valley officials said in a statement.
Officials said the closure will remain in effect until repairs “are effectively and comprehensively addressed” by the mall’s owner, IGP Business Group.
City officials made clear the shutdown stemmed from ongoing noncompliance by the mall’s ownership.
Authorities said inspectors had previously identified violations and that the property owner failed to correct them following reinspection.
Fire officials said the mall could not produce required inspection, testing and maintenance records for critical life-safety systems, including sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke control systems, fire doors and emergency lighting.
Beyond paperwork, inspectors cited physical deficiencies inside the complex, including blocked emergency exit routes, compromised fire doors and electrical issues that could pose hazards during an evacuation.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
