The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford recently experienced a brief evacuation due to a dumpster fire. The incident occurred Thursday morning when a small fire ignited outside the complex.
Details of the Fire Incident
According to an American Dream spokesperson, the fire was spotted in a dumpster situated at a loading dock. The decision to evacuate was made as a safety precaution.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, the fire was promptly extinguished by the local fire department, and no injuries were reported during the incident. New Jersey State Police stated that the fire was not considered suspicious.
Evacuation and Mall Operations
- The evacuation took place outside of business hours.
- The number of individuals affected was minimal.
- The mall returned to normal operations at 11 a.m.
- Regular hours resume from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Previous Incident at the Mall
This is not the first fire incident at the American Dream Mall. In September 2021, a three-alarm fire occurred near the Big SNOW ski slope. That fire spread to the exterior of the building but was contained without injuries reported.
Cause of the Previous Blaze
Officials determined that an electrical problem was responsible for the 2021 incident, which also took place before the mall opened.
The recent dumpster fire serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the swift response of local emergency services. El-Balad will continue to monitor updates related to the American Dream Mall and local incidents.
