Overview
- The blaze began at 6:08 a.m. on Nov. 15 on the fourth floor, reported after smoke triggered the alarm, according to fire authorities.
- Major flames were brought under control by 3:31 p.m. Saturday, the alert level was reduced that evening, and the Level 1 alert was lifted Sunday morning.
- Officials say the first and second floors were destroyed as flames spread through areas storing clothing and footwear.
- Up to 430 firefighters and 150 vehicles were deployed, with crews now applying as much as 75,000 liters of water per minute and dismantling parts of the structure from outside.
- No injuries were reported because the fire broke out before business hours, and investigators plan a joint probe with the National Forensic Service once entry is safe.