A-shift crews responded earlier today to a reported structure fire at the former JCPenney store, located within Marquette Mall. The store has been vacant for an extended period.
Upon arrival, security personnel advised crews of visible smoke and fire inside. The fire was located in a storage room and quickly knocked down by responding units.
Fires in large commercial buildings present unique challenges and increased risks for firefighters, especially in situations like this when fire protection systems like sprinklers are not in operation. Crews did an outstanding job quickly locating the fire, extinguishing it, and conducting a thorough search of the store under smoky and low-visibility conditions.
With no electrical service active in the area, the fire is currently considered suspicious in nature. However, the official cause and origin remain under investigation.
As a precaution, operating businesses within the mall were temporarily evacuated due to smoke spreading throughout the complex. No injuries have been reported. While some businesses have contacted management regarding reopening, the current operational status of all affected businesses is not yet known.
Responding units included Car 10, Engine 1, Engine 3, Engine 4, and Ladder 1 as well as La Porte County Emergency Medical Service and Michigan City Police Department units. Check the Michigan City Fire Department FACEBOOK page as well.