CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — A vacant Chesterfield Mall, no longer.
Despite closing up shop in August, the facility opened its doors for multiple first responders for two weeks.
Crews are practicing real-life scenarios for potential emergencies in a disaster simulation.
"This is probably kind of like once in a career-type training. Where else can you get a three story building to destroy?" said Matt Wilcox, assistant fire chief for Maplewood Fire Department.
This simulation took more than a year to plan.
The simulation was similar to an earthquake or massive building collapse, but the skills learned would apply to multiple scenarios.
The massive mall became a playground to practice for five regional teams.
The Urban Search Rescue teams, also known as USAR, are specialized task forces deployed to a disaster area to aid in structural collapse rescue.
The crews started in the parking lot and then breaking through the roof to get their rescues out safely.
Skills are picked up along the way:
- Using rope systems to lower and haul rescues and equipment
- Maneuvering through debris
- Assessment and stabilization of compromised structures
- Breaching the roof and floor
- Logistics
- Handling emergency medical care and hazardous material evaluations
Technology is another tool too.
"The electronic dog can give us a first snapshot look. It has a camera, it can carry sensors, it's robotic, controlled. It's a great tool," said Les Crews, the assistant chief of Monarch Fire Protection District.
Wilcox explained this is the first time a drill has been this big.
The mall has turned into a much needed model.
Crews said the mall's age was helpful to peel through the tougher concrete.
"We're looking for reality and this is reality," added Crews.
While the USARs practice individually and yearly, this opportunity brings all the units together in one full size exercise.
"In the major events, we can’t do it by ourselves, we will be relying on our next door agents," Crews shared.
The last day for these efforts is Sept. 20.
However, crews implored residents to reach out to federal, state and local leaders to continue pushing for funding to keep these efforts going. The money was granted after Sept. 11, 2001. Crews said the money is starting to dwindle.
The Staenberg Group owns the 90-acre property turning the mall into a mixed-used development for downtown Chesterfield.
Taylor Reich, Staenberg's Mixed-Use Development & Operations said, "Just squeezing every ounce of life out of the building that's been here since the late 70s or early 80s, what a way to cap it off."
Demolition at the mall will begin Oct. 15.
The new development space is projected to open in 2028.