Dumpster Fire Damages Exterior of Dillard’s at Mall of Georgia, Prompts Evacuation

BUFORD, Ga. – Firefighters responded Tuesday evening to a dumpster fire outside Dillard’s at the Mall of Georgia, where flames extended to the exterior of the building and forced the evacuation of about 40 people, officials said. No injuries were reported.

The fire was reported at 7:28 p.m. at the store located at 3333 Buford Drive. Callers to 911 said a dumpster in front of the mall was on fire and flames were spreading to the building. Firefighters arrived five minutes later and found the fire had extended from a roll-off dumpster into the parapet wall and the exterior of the two-story section connected to the three-story structure.

Crews initially deployed one hose line while search and evacuation teams cleared the building. After the store was fully evacuated, a second hose line was brought into service to extinguish flames that had spread to a nearby tree and to protect surrounding exposures. Fire control was declared at 7:51 p.m.

Fire officials reported heavy fire damage to the parapet wall above the loading dock where the dumpster was located. There was no extension of fire into the main building, though heavy smoke remained inside until firefighters used ventilation fans to clear it.

Dillard’s employees told firefighters they noticed a small fire in the dumpster and attempted to put it out using two fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful. Employees then began evacuating the store as the fire alarm activated.

Dillard’s management and Mall of Georgia management were on scene assisting emergency crews. Fire officials determined the fire was accidental and originated in the dumpster.

The response included four engines, two ladder trucks, a squad, a medical unit, three command staff units, a medical supervisor, an air and light unit, and a public information officer. Medical personnel on scene provided rehabilitation for firefighters during the incident.