The Westfield Mall in Palm Desert was evacuated Monday morning due to a a possible electrical fire.
A little after 11 am, Cactus Hugs received news tips about the mall evacuating employees and shoppers. According to CalFire, smoke was seen coming from an electrical panel.
Commercial Structure – Electrical Fire: 72000 BLK HWY 111 (Westfield Town Center) in Palm Desert. Reports of smoke coming from electrical panel. Firefighters and Utilities on scene investigating. Shoppers evacuated as precaution. 6 ENG, 1 TRK, 1 CHF #MallIncident
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) December 17, 2018
Crews are investigating. Six fire engines reported to the call.
According to Lauren Day of KMIR, the mall is no longer under mandatory evacuation.
#BREAKING: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said a fire alarm went off at the Westfield Mall just before 11AM. Cal Fire is still on scene investigating a possible fire. Mall is no longer under a mandatory evacuation, according to Sheriff’s Dept. @NBCPalmSprings pic.twitter.com/pGgXzD5xi1
— Lauren Day (@LaurenDayNews) December 17, 2018
It appears there was an electrical shortage in the control room of the mall:
#UPDATE: @NBCPalmSprings is now learning it was an electrical shortage in the control room of the Westfield Mall. People to be let in shortly.
— Lauren Day (@LaurenDayNews) December 17, 2018
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.