CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Marketplace Mall in Champaign will reopen at 2:30 p.m. today after a small fire caused by an HVAC unit broke out this morning, prompting an evacuation of the building. The Champaign Fire Department responded to the scene at 11:38 a.m., after receiving reports of a possible fire in the west side of the mall near the food court. Firefighters quickly arrived, with at least five fire trucks on the scene.
In an abundance of caution, mall authorities evacuated all individuals inside, and security confirmed that the building remains closed due to smoke. The cause of this fire is accidental and has been attributed to a heating element in the ventilation system. One firefighter was treated on scene for a minor injury. There were no occupant injuries reported. Only one store suffered minor damage.
The fire was contained, but officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage.