Station Mall Reopens: Update After Friday Evacuation

SAULT STE.MARIE, Mich.,December 20,2025 19:00:00 – A faint whiff of natural gas sent shoppers scrambling from the Station Mall Friday night,triggering an evacuation and a response from local authorities. But don’t panic-it appears to be a false alarm, albeit one that left some store employees feeling a bit rushed.

Mall Evacuated After Gas Smell,Quickly Reopened

A potential gas leak prompted a temporary closure of the Sault Ste. Marie shopping center.

• Sault Ste. marie Fire Services responded to a reported natural gas odor at the Station Mall on Friday evening.
• Initial investigations revealed a “potential small leak,” according to fire services spokesperson Aaron Gravelle.
• Enbridge gas took over the investigation after being called to the scene.
• The mall has since been deemed safe and has reopened to the public.

Did you know? Natural gas is naturally odorless; utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give it a distinctive, sulfur-like smell for safety.

What caused the evacuation at station Mall? The evacuation was triggered by the smell of natural gas detected in the rooftop area of the mall, prompting a swift response from Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.

Firefighters arrived at the Station Mall on Friday night to investigate the source of the odor. According to spokesperson Aaron Gravelle, a Saturday morning assessment revealed “nothing of relevance” beyond a “potential small leak.” Enbridge Gas was subsequently called in to conduct a more thorough investigation.

The incident wasn’t without some disruption. one staff member recounted being told to evacuate quickly, without sufficient time to properly close down cash registers. The mall, which typically operates until 9 p.m. during the holiday season, was briefly shuttered while authorities assessed the situation.

The swift response from emergency services ensured the safety of shoppers and staff, and the mall was able to resume normal operations without notable delay.

Pro tip-If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and report it from a safe location. Do not use anything that could create a spark.

Sault Ste. Marie Police Services also assisted at the scene, helping to manage the evacuation and ensure public safety.As of Saturday morning, the Station Mall has been given the all-clear and has reopened to the public.

While the source of the gas smell remains under investigation, authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate threat. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the rapid response capabilities of local emergency services.

Reader question-What are your experiences with mall evacuations? Share your thoughts on emergency preparedness.