A fire incident at Dillard’s department store, located in the sprawling Mall of Georgia, resulted in an organized emergency response Wednesday night. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the Gwinnett County fire crews received calls around 7:28 p.m. detailing flames erupting from a dumpster and threatening the integrity of the store’s structure.
Upon their rapid arrival, firefighters were greeted by the sight of the fire spreading to the parapet and exterior walls, nearing the three-story edifice. Engaging with the urgency of the incendiary threat, personnel swiftly deployed hose lines to subdue the engulfing flames. With concerted efforts, the blaze was contained by 7:51 p.m., but not before 40 occupants, guided by mall security, were safely ushered out of potentially harmful reach. The official statement obtained by Channel 2 Action News, detailed that employees initially combated the dumpster fire using fire extinguishers to no avail, only to retreat once the fire alarm signaled an evacuation.
Witnesses observed and recorded video footage showing rising plumes of smoke as Gwinnett County fire crews tackled the residual effects of the fire, spending several hours to clear the smoke that permeated through Dillard’s. Thankfully, officials reported no injuries during the incident. The professionals involved managed to prevent the fire from penetrating the main store areas, though damage was evident to the parts of the structure most directly impacted by the flames…