Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a fire Tuesday morning at Macy’s department store, inside the Paddock Mall in Ocala.
A caller at about 11 a.m. reported that a sprinkler head had activated and store clerks were evacuating patrons from the store.
Engine #3, the first of seven suppression units dispatched, was on first on the scene. Crews made their way through the north entrance of the store finding light smoke filling the premises still occupied by employees. While Engine #3 cleared the inside of the store, firefighters from Engine #4 sought and found the area of origin – the bottom rack of an intimate apparel stand – and confirmed the fire was out.
After deactivating the sprinkler system and inspecting the business area for additional fires, crews proceeded to ventilate the building.
A fire investigator and building inspector responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Ocala Police Department and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded.