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Moreno Valley Mall Stays Closed Over Fire-Safety Failures as Owners Fix 3 of 9 Violations

City records describe years of code citations with unpaid fees prompting a special public update Thursday.

Overview

  • City officials say the mall addressed issues with the sprinkler system, standpipe system and emergency generator, but six critical violations still block reopening.
  • Outstanding items involve fire alarms, the smoke control system, fire doors and smoke dampers, plus emergency lighting and exit lighting that must be verified as compliant.
  • Macy’s, JCPenney and Harkins Theatres remain open because their buildings have independent fire protection systems and exterior exits.
  • Inspectors reported blocked egress routes, compromised fire doors, exposed electrical junctions, improperly secured electrical panels and dirty or inoperative smoke detectors.
  • Newly surfaced city letters cite 88 code citations since 2019 and more than $665,000 allegedly owed, as owners dispute long-term neglect, report installing a new generator and say work continues to restore full compliance.