Maniac At The Roseville Galleria

Just what we need - an out-of-control firebug:

ROSEVILLE - Police have a suspect in custody after a standoff and fire at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville, but the danger isn't over. A thick plume of smoke was pouring out of the roof, but firefighters were kept from going inside because of a backpack the man left behind and the possibility of an explosive device.

...For more than four hours, smoke was pouring from the roof of the mall, even though sprinklers were activated inside. Division Fire Chief Dennis Matheson said crews were kept from the fire because the bomb squad had not given an all-clear signal.

Lincoln Fire Chief Dave Whitt said crews are battling the flames from outside the mall, and it appears the fire has moved from Macy's to Nordstrom. There is also significant flooding reported on the first floor.

Whitt said he's paged off-duty firefighters from Placer and Sacramento counties to head to the galleria to assist in the battle.

Whitt stressed the importance of police and firefighters working under a unified command and said, "The one thing we want to do as firefighters is to make sure we do not destroy evidence on the scene."

Mall Evacuated

The mall was evacuated Thursday morning after a man started a fire inside an electronics store on the second floor, then barricaded himself.

A man who was speaking incoherently went into the GameStop store around 10:30 a.m., according to Roseville police. Store employees told police the man started a fire in the store and he claimed to be armed.

Police say the man barricaded himself in an area just outside the store and started several other fires before he was arrested.

Investigators have yet to announce the suspect's identity. A detective said the man would be charged with arson, though additional charges may be filed.