The fire at Colonnade Mall in The City is under control and the Barbados Fire Service has given the all-clear for surrounding businesses to resume.
However, those operating out of the Mall itself will have to await further word from both police and fire officials.
Acting chief fire officer, Henderson Patrick, told the media the fire was brought under control around 10:36 a.m. and they were able to clear the building of most of the smoke through vertical and lateral ventilation.
He said officers were mopping up, the last set of smoke was being cleared and then they would enter the building to determine the actual cause of the fire.
Businesses operating inside the Mall, which has entrances on Broad Street, Prince William Henry Street and Swan Street, will remain closed until further notice.
Three fire tenders and 14 personnel responded to the incident.
Police implemented traffic management measures, including the diversion of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic travelling along Prince William Henry Street and upper Broad Street.
There are no reported injuries and damage has been described as minor. (SAT/PR)
