One Wing of Liberty Tree Mall Evacuated After Smoke Fills Stores

Part of the Liberty Tree Mall was evacuated today after heavy smoke from a mulch fire infiltrated the building.

Fire Chief Kevin Farrell said the flames were contained to an exterior corner of A.C. Moore, but smoke did fill the store inside and spread across that wing of the mall.

There were no injuries and damage to the outside of the building did not appear extensive. Farrell said interior HVAC system was being used to ventilate the area and employees and shoppers would be allowed back inside once the smoke cleared.

It was unclear exactly how many people were evacuated from the mall, but in addition to A.C. Moore, Mall Tots, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and adjacent mall tenants were affected, Farrell said.

Danvers Fire engines 1, 2, 3 and Fire/Rescue responded to the scene along with at least three police units.

Fire Lt. Frederick Ingraham said the fire was first reported around 12:50 p.m. and the flames were extinguished within 5 minutes or so.

Due to the styrofoam within the building materials, however, smoke was pouring inside the store through the display cases, he said, initially causing concern the fire had extended inside.

A crowd of shoppers and employees milled around outside the mall, watching the scene unfold. The evacuation did not include Best Buy and Target or down to Panera Bread.

The cause of the mulch fire is yet to be determined.