Totem Mall evacuated due to sprinkler failure in Staples

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Totem Mall was evacuated on Saturday evening due to sprinklers failing in Staples.

Matt Troiano, deputy fire chief at the Fort St. John Fire Department, says crews arrived on the scene around 6:30 p.m. to water coming out of the front of Staples due to a sprinkler head that broke in the front lobby.

Troiano says when temperatures get as cold as they have been, some buildings with sprinkler systems will experience failures.

“As soon as something happens with the sprinkler system, it’s going to activate the audible alarms throughout the entire building,” Troiano said.

“That’s a safety standard that’s in place to ensure that the building will fully evacuate.”

He says the fire department will respond to eliminate any further damage by stopping the water, but once that is completed, it will be up to a maintenance company to service the system.

The deputy fire chief says as soon as the crews confirmed that it wasn’t an emergency, they ensured people could get warm as quickly as possible.

As of Monday afternoon, the local Staples posted a sign on the door that read, “Sorry!! We are closed today.”