MISSOULA — Missoula Fire officials were called to the Southgate Mall to an activated fire sprinkler system with smoke inside the mall.
Arriving crews found heavy smoke just inside the east main entrance and ceiling-mounted fire sprinklers activated just above the involved vehicle at the central clock court.
Firefighters entered with a hose line and portable fire extinguishers, and quickly gained control of the fire however, the vehicle would re-ignite randomly.
Crews soon discovered that the vehicle involved was electric and still plugged into a floor outlet. Once unplugged the fire was completely extinguished.
Southgate Mall management and security assisted with accessing and shutting down the fire sprinkler system, MPD controlled access to the mall, set up smoke fans and de-energized floor outlets.
Mall maintenance was later allowed in to start clean up and assist with pushing the electric vehicle outside.
The Western Montana Car Club Expo is canceled as well.
The release says that regular mall operations will resume on Monday at 11 a.m.
