Fire sprinkler system accidentally activated at Roseville Galleria, damaging some stores

More than a half-dozen stores were damaged inside Roseville’s Westfield Galleria mall Monday after the fire protection sprinkler system was accidentally activated, causing flooding.

The Roseville Fire Department responded after 9 a.m. to reports of a water flow alarm, the department said in a social media post.

When the engine crew arrived on the scene, they found water flowing from the system. Crews found that the system had been activated when a construction worker in a vacant suite hit a pipe tied into the system.

A “large amount” of water was discharged before the system was turned off, the department said.

“The water is currently affecting areas of the mall near the movie theaters on both the 1st and 2nd levels,” the department said. “Firefighters are working with mall management on salvage operations for the businesses affected.”

The businesses that are affected include Amazing Alterations, Cotton On Kids, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Hot Topic, Mainland Surf & Skate, Quickly and a new location of Lolli & Pops, which was under construction.

The Century Roseville 14 and XD and arcade is still open and operating along with the rest of the mall.

“Fire crews, mall management and staff, and a restoration company remain on scene working to mitigate the damage and restore the fire protection system,” the department said.

The incident comes just days ahead of Black Friday, the biggest shopping event of the year. It is unclear if the damage will affect operations for Black Friday shoppers just yet.