Placer County Rejects Claim Over Mall Fire Damage
ROSEVILLE, Calif. (AP) -- Placer County officials have rejected claims by insurance companies seeking to recoup more than $23 million from a large fire that consumed a shopping mall last October.
The companies represent dozens of Roseville Galleria stores that were damaged by an arsonist.
Photos: Fire Rips Through The Roseville Galleria Mall
Authorities say the fire quickly spread because a mall worker had turned off the sprinkler system. The worker said he thought he was ordered to do so by someone at the police department, but authorities have been unable to identify who gave that order.
The insurers say the county is partially to blame because the alleged order to turn off the sprinklers led to extensive damage.
The Sacramento Bee reports that the county's Board of Supervisors rejected the claim Tuesday, calling it a "fishing expedition."
Insurers also plan to pursue a claim against the city of Roseville.
