Fire shuts down Red Sea Mall

A fire that broke out yesterday morning at the Red Sea Mall forced its closure and prompted an investigation to determine the exact cause, according to Civil Defense officials.
There were no injuries or fatalities in the blaze. No stores were damaged. However, most of the mall’s interior was filled with heavy black smoke during the initial stages of the fire and rose high above the structure into the sky. Authorities continued their investigation into the night.
Mall management said on its Twitter account that the mall will be closed today for maintenance. Visitors will be notified through social media when it is to open for business.
The management assured the public on Facebook and Twitter that the fire was brought under control by Civil Defense. It also said that the fire did not reach any stores inside.
Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Jiddawi, assistant director of Makkah Civil Defense, told Arab News that “in view of the many recent fire incidents, we urge people to install fire alarm systems, and to use automated systems, since fire is caused by many factors.”
“It is imperative that people of the community be trained on how to deal with fires, and we have a fire training department,” he said.