Arson suspected as cause of fire at Century III Mall

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Investigators believe the fire that broke out last week within the shuttered Century III Mall was intentionally set.

According to West Mifflin Police Chief Greg McCulloch, investigators located evidence of an accelerant near where the fire broke out, causing significant damage.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Fire breaks out at old Century III Mall

No one was harmed during the blaze or battle but nearly 30 fire departments responded, and crews faced a number of challenges.

“The smoke was so bad... it was very dangerous for them,” McCulloch said. “So, when these individuals go in there, and they’re causing damage, they’re not taking into account that they’re putting other people in harm’s way.”

McCulloch told Channel 11 that the suspected arsonists were not squatters or individuals residing within the mall. Rather, he said people frequently break in and trespass simply to cause damage.

The vacant mall has been slowly deteriorating over the years. The JCPenney was the last store to close, which occurred in late 2020. The mall is now boarded up, but apparently, people have been increasingly gaining access to cause mischief. Crimes have ramped up significantly in the last year, he said.

“We have people breaking down windows, tearing down walls, causing graffiti, causing other kinds of damage, to the point where, besides the mold and everything else that’s going on in there, it’s a really unsafe environment,” the chief said.

He urged people to stay off of the property and said that trespassers will be prosecuted.

Regarding the arsonists, the chief said they have been receiving tips and are following up on leads.

Mall staff members apparently are still on the site, although not entering the deteriorating structure. The fire made matters even worse, and the roof is reportedly now compromised.

As for the future of the property, McCulloch said, “Moonbeam owns the mall, I know our borough administration is working hard with them to come up with some resolutions.”

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