Moreno Valley Mall shut down after multiple safety violations

Moreno Valley Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in the Inland Empire, remained closed Monday after Riverside County fire officials determined it was unsafe.

The mall, which operated for more than three decades, was forced to close last week. The notice of violation indicates issues with the fire and smoke alarm system and repairs to the mall’s electrical infrastructure.

Moreno Valley Mall Vice Pesident Tony Hernandez told NBC Los Angeles Monday that the Riverside County Fire Marshal shut them down last Thursday until nine violations are fixed.

“It was the fire inspection report for the sprinklers smoke system,” Hernandez said, adding the closure of the mall hurts the public and the tenants. “The last item was a backup generator, which is impotent. We got two generators and installed this weekend.”

With no word on when the mall will reopen, more than 3,000 employees at 132 shops do not know when they’ll be able to return to work.

The city of Moreno Valley did not respond to NBCLA’s request for comment about the closure.

Despite the signs posted around the mall, informing the public about the unsafe building conditions and state violations, Hernandez insisted that there is no safety issue.

“We have security and all the equipment is working. A lot of the issues is because of age. The mall has been here for a while but there is no issues,” he said.

Macy’s, JC Penney and the movie theater remained open Friday because they have their own safety codes, according to Hernandez.