The first day of business at the new National Mall in Temecula, Calif., was not without some bumps and bruises.
The main one was a huge fire at the south gate of the new Northgate mall that destroyed a large section of the complex and killed five people, including two police officers.
Firefighters were also battling flames at the north entrance of the mall that caused an extensive fire and destruction at the nearby Temeculacano Casino.
And there was a small fire at an entrance to the Temecueas Convention Center, which caused about $100,000 worth of damage.
But the real test for the new Mall is the first day it opens to the public.
The mall is expected to open to the general public on Saturday and is expected, in part, because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Weather Service.
In the coming days, it will be opened to pedestrians and those in wheelchairs.
The first visitors will be expected to walk through the first large pedestrian plaza outside of the main entrance, which is at a roughly 50-degree angle to the street.
Once the plaza is open, shoppers will walk past a line of shops and restaurants, which will then open to them and then walk out of the plaza.
More information about the Mall is available on the National Mall website. ___