Firefighters quickly douse mall fire
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 12:49 p.m., November 13, 2007
Updated 12:49 p.m., November 13, 2007
Emporia firefighters prevented a potentially disastrous fire Monday night, when they were called to the Flinthills Mall after flames were seen coming from the roof near the new Sears store on the south side of the building.
The fire was reported at 9:33 p.m., and brought quick responses from both of the city’s fire stations, one of which is located across the street from the mall. Volunteer firefighters from Americus, Olpe, Hartford and Neosho Rapids joined local firefighters to work on fighting the blaze.
“There was fire above the ceiling and there was fire on the roof,” Fire Chief Jack Taylor said Monday night. “They’re just beginning to investigate.”
Taylor said the fire seemed to be in an area over a hallway that separates the Sears store from the driver’s license office; however, details will not be available until the investigation is complete.
For Jose Feliciano, who took over as general manager of the mall about two weeks ago, the fire’s quick resolution was a blessing.
“It could have been worse and we’re just blessed,” Feliciano said. “Thanks to the fire department. They did a great job. They reacted very quickly and I appreciate them. Every one of them.”
Feliciano speculated that the fire may have been related to some re-roofing work that has been going on at the mall.
“I don’t have the details from the report from the fire department,” he said, “but it was handled quickly and swiftly, and thank goodness there wasn’t heavy traffic.”
All of the mall businesses were expected to be open today.
An estimate of damages is not yet available.
Local and state fire marshals were at the mall early this morning to continue the investigation into the fire.