ELLENTON — ELLENTON -- A fire apparently started by a sign on the roof of the Ellenton Premium Outlets closed the south half of the mall Friday night.
Eight units from North River Fire District were dispatched at about 5:54 p.m., officials said, when the sign for the Brooks Brothers Factory Store caught fire.
The south half of the mall was evacuated while fire crews worked the blaze until about 8:30 p.m.
Employees huddled outside the mall sharing coats and blankets as temperatures stared to dip after sunset.
No injuries were reported and there are no immediate estimates on damage.
After firefighters deemed the area safe, store managers were allowed access to cash out registers and close for the night.
This story will be updated as information is received.


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