Popcorn Machine Fire Prompts South Dakota Mall Evacuation

A popcorn machine fire forced about 30 people to evacuate a Sioux Falls mall Monday night. No one was hurt.

The blaze happened at the West Mall 7 Theatres inside the Western Mall shortly after 6:30 p.m. Firefighters said it was small enough that it did not trigger the mall’s sprinkler system, and they had it under control in about 15 minutes.

Fire officials said the theater had “moderate” smoke damage, and some adjoining businesses also had damage. The mall was closed for the night.