‘The Missoula Fire Department was dispatched to an activated fire sprinkler system with smoke inside the Southgate Mall.
Arriving crews found heavy smoke just inside the East main entrance and approximately 4 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 in to a floor outlet. Once de-energized 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.
MFD set up smoke fans and de-energized floor outlets. Once atmosphere was tenable Mall maintenance was allowed in to start clean up and assist with pushing the electric vehicle outside.’
Three engines and 12 firefighters responded to the incident, with no injuries reported.
Southgate Mall Manager Tim Winger told KGVO News on Sunday afternoon that a slight incident set off one of the sprinkler heads near Clock Court early in the morning causing minor damage.
Due to the incident and the cleanup that is currently underway, the Western Montana Car Club Expo was cancelled for the day.
Winger said regular mall operations will resume on Monday, September 28 with their normal operations from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
