Moreno Valley, CA -- Shopping malls serve as community gathering places where residents shop, dine, work, and spend time with family and friends. Because they welcome large numbers of people each day, maintaining safe conditions inside these spaces is critical. That is why city officials say residents should be aware of a recent partial closure at the Moreno Valley Mall, prompted by serious fire safety concerns.
Residents of Moreno Valley are being advised that parts of the Moreno Valley Mall have been temporarily closed, after fire officials identified safety issues that pose risks to shoppers, employees, and tenants. The closures took effect at the close of business, on Feb. 19, and will remain in place until required repairs are fully completed.
According to officials, inspectors with the Riverside County Fire Department/CAL Fire determined that sections of the Moreno Valley Mall posed serious risks to public safety, after identifying widespread violations of health and safety codes. According to officials, inspectors found that the property lacked a required backup generator and that piles of stored materials were obstructing emergency exits throughout the mall—conditions that could significantly delay evacuation during an emergency. Inspectors also reported that the mall owner failed to demonstrate that critical fire suppression systems—including sprinklers, alarms and smoke control systems—were properly maintained. Additional hazards included faulty fire doors, improperly secured electrical panels, exposed junction boxes, and smoke detectors that were dirty and not in acceptable working condition. Fire officials warned that these conditions create a heightened risk of serious injury or loss of life, should a fire occur, and recommended immediate action after concluding that certain areas were unsafe for public occupancy.
Fire protection and prevention services in Moreno Valley are provided through a contract between the county fire authority and the City of Moreno Valley. Based on the inspectors’ findings, the city’s building official received a formal recommendation to close selected portions of the mall and issue a red tag, which prohibits use of those areas until all required life-safety deficiencies are corrected. City officials said the decision followed repeated failures by the mall owner to address the violations, despite multiple prior requests and the fact that the repairs are mandated by law.
Three major retailers—Macy's, JCPenney, and Harkin's Theatre—are not affected by the closure. Officials said both stores are independently owned buildings with sufficient exits for their occupancy and maintain their own fire protection systems that are separate from the rest of the mall.
“The City’s priority is public safety, and I have total confidence in the Riverside County Fire Department/CAL Fire’s handling of this situation,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “They possess the expertise, knowledge, and experience with respect to fire safety. I urge the responsible parties to step up immediately and fulfill their legal obligation to resolve this critical situation, so we can ensure the continued safety of tenants, residents, and everyone who visits the mall. I look forward to the mall reopening as soon as these violations are properly addressed and all safety standards are met."
City leaders acknowledged that the closure has real impacts on workers and local businesses, but emphasized that safety must come first.
“I am deeply concerned regarding the Mall's partial closure, due to unresolved fire safety issues,” said District 1 Council Member Elena Baca-Santa Cruz. “While I understand a partial closure would immediately impact many employees who rely on their paychecks to support their families, the protection of human life must always be our top priority. I urge all parties to work together swiftly to find a responsible solution that safeguards public safety while minimizing harm to our residents and local businesses.”
City officials said they will continue working with Riverside County Fire/CAL Fire to protect the community and to support business owners and others affected while the mall owner completes the required repairs.
Residents seeking additional information or future updates about the closure can call 951-413-3049 or visit moval.org/mall.