"Confusion" During Mayfair Evacuation

VICTORIA - Hundreds of shoppers and staff pack the parking lot outside Mayfair Shopping Centre Wednesday afternoon after firefighters entered the mall and gave the evacuation order store by store. "A firefighter came in and said there was a gas leak across the street and he wanted everybody out of the store" says a Costa Blanca staff member.
It's a shock for shoppers and a stretch for firefighters already short on manpower and evacuating more than 30 buildings. "Because it's such a large size we don't have the resources to cover every exit plus empty the building" says Victoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Woodburn.

Fortunately for shoppers and staff the evacuation at Mayfair only lasted about 15 minutes, but people who were inside say there was a lot of confusion and announcements over the shopping centre's loudspeaker were almost impossible to hear.

While people are already filing out of the mall, those grabbing lunch in the food court are oblivious during an evacuation announcement that is almost completely drowned out.

Store staff also found it difficult to figure out what exactly was going on. "A lady from another kiosk in the mall came over and told me. I didn't even hear the announcement so I'm kind of grateful she did" says one worker.

When contacted by /A\ News, the shopping centre's General Manager Lorna Park said the evacuation followed Mayfair's Crisis Management Plan, was very orderly, and carried out in a maximum of 10 minutes.

Meantime, the five block evacuation because of the gas leak on Frances Avenue put a strain on dozens of businesses, including restaurants, car dealerships, and a hotel, grappling with the potential loss of thousands of dollars.

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